In minor moves today:
- The floundering Buffalo Sabres have made a move, calling up forward Hudson Fasching from the AHL’s Rochester Americans, per a team report. The Sabres have failed to score a goal in each of their past three games and face the two-time defending Stanley Cup champs, the Pittsburgh Penguins, again today as the second half of a home-and-home. Buffalo could use all the help they can get and Fasching is tied for the team lead in goals in Rochester and uses his big frame to create opportunities around the net. The former University of Minnesota star has not proven himself in the pros quite yet, but could earn a regular role in the NHL if he jump starts the Sabres’ season (or at least scores a goal).
- The Dallas Stars announced that they have recalled forward Curtis McKenzie from AHL Texas. McKenzie has been back and forth multiple times already in 2017-18, but hasn’t had the opportunity to play for Dallas despite leading the Texas Stars with 10 goals and 68 shots in 19 games. The 2009 draft pick hasn’t exactly been an offensive juggernaut at the next level though; he recorded only five points in his first 39 NHL games, but at least took a step forward last season with 16 points in 53 games. Many expected McKenzie to have a full-time role after gaining so much experience last year, but it hasn’t happened for him just yet. Perhaps a strong showing – should he get the opportunity – on this latest recall could keep him in Dallas for a longer, more involved stay.
- The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have recalled defenseman Mark Alt from Lehigh Valley of the AHL. He sits second on the Phantoms in points by a defenseman with nine through 16 games. He’s also no stranger to being with the big club as this is his third recall already this season. He has played in six games with the Flyers, being held off the scoresheet while averaging just over 13 minutes per night.
- The Tampa Bay Lightning have promoted defenseman Jamie McBain to the big club, per a team release. The veteran has yet to play with the Lightning this season but has picked up 11 points in 21 minor league contests. He has plenty of NHL experience under his belt though with 348 career games split between Carolina, Buffalo, Los Angeles, and Arizona. His promotion was needed with fellow blueliner Braydon Coburn being listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.