The Flames announced that they’ve recalled forward Adam Klapka from AHL Calgary. The Czech big man could be in line to see NHL ice over their final two games of the season.
Klapka, 23, went undrafted and had to rise through the Czech junior and professional ranks and the United States Hockey League before landing an entry-level contract in free agency with Calgary before last season. He’s played in 64 games for the Wranglers this season, leading the team with 21 goals and 45 points. It’s a sizable step forward for the massive 6’8″, 245-lb winger, who mustered only 25 points in 60 AHL games last year.
He’s been hot to end the season, too, notching eight points in his last 10. He made his NHL debut on a four-game recall back in January, but averaged just 6:08 per game and posted a -1 rating without recording a point. He took one minor penalty (rookie numbers compared to his 88 PIMs in the minors) and logged 13 hits.
If he gets back into the lineup, it’s likely to be in a fourth-line role again. Klapka needs a new deal this summer as a pending RFA with arbitration rights, something Flames GM Craig Conroy will likely be amicable toward after his minor-league breakout. He’s owed a qualifying offer of $814K.