1:52 pm: Per Flames Nation’s Ryan Pike, Calgary has placed Tanev on IR, likely retroactive to December 12th, when he was injured. Essentially, the move will create a roster spot for Gilbert in advance of today’s game, while allowing Tanev to return by Tuesday for the second half of a back to back in San Jose. It’s not clear if Tanev will return on Tuesday or not, however the defenseman was skating earlier today.
The Flames have since confirmed Tanev’s placement on IR.
1:22 pm: Gilbert’s recall seemed to imply that another player would be missing for the Flames in San Jose, and the team has confirmed just that. Forward Radim Zohorna did not participate in the morning skate as he’s dealing with a non-COVID illness, per a team announcement. According to Postmedia’s Wes Gilbertson, Gilbert is already with the team in San Jose.
12:37 pm: With the NHL’s roster freeze set to take effect tomorrow night at midnight, we can expect plenty of roster shuffling in the time being, and that’s already been evident this morning. Adding to the pool of transactions are the Calgary Flames, who announced they’ve recalled defenseman Dennis Gilbert from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, their affiliate. No corresponding move has been announced.
Gilbert’s recall would seem to put the Flames above the maximum roster limit, however it could be an indicator that fellow defenseman Chris Tanev is going to be placed on IR after blocking a shot up high on Monday against the Montreal Canadiens. Tanev left that game early an hasn’t played since. Still, nothing on that end has been announced just yet.
Gilbert, 26, has seen more than his share of recalls and reassignments this season, last sent to the AHL back on November 27th. The shuffling has seemed to cost Gilbert some games, but he has been fairly effective in his role as a defense-first defenseman despite it. Through seven NHL games this season, Gilbert has one point, a goal, and through 15 AHL games, he has just one point as well, that one an assist.
The Flames will play this evening on the road in San Jose against the Sharks.