Matthew Phillips

The Calgary Flames have recalled forward Radim Zohorna, per a team announcement. In a corresponding move, forward Matthew Phillips and defenseman Nick DeSimone were assigned to the team’s AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers.

Zohorna, 26, was claimed off of waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins in October, and has spent most of this season with the Wranglers. In 20 games there the hulking Czech winger has posted five goals and 16 points.

While he plays a major role in the NHL, Zohorna has been limited to a very small role in his five NHL contests so far this year. He’s averaging just over eight minutes per night, which ranks last among skaters who have played for the Flames this season. He’ll now head back to the Flames roster hoping to earn more trust from head coach Darryl Sutter and build on his 30-game NHL resume.

Headed down to the AHL is Phillips, who happens to be nearly a full foot shorter than Zohorna. The 24-year-old former WHL star has lit the AHL on fire this year, scoring 30 points in 20 games.

The many calls from fans to give him a genuine shot at the NHL came when he earned his call-up earlier this month, a recall that led to him getting into two NHL games. He struggled in those two contests despite playing in a highly sheltered role. Of the 9:02 minutes he averaged in that two-game stretch, he averaged 2:50 on the power play.

He didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet, though, and after seemingly struggling with the suffocating lack of space and physicality of the NHL, he’s headed back to the Wranglers where he’ll resume his starring role.

Also involved in these transactions is DeSimone, a 28-year-old blueliner. The New York native has carved out a nice career for himself as an undrafted player, scoring 15 points in 20 AHL games, a performance that earned him his first NHL call-up after Dennis Gilbert went down with an injury.

DeSimone didn’t play a ton, getting just over 11 minutes per night, but he got a short look on the team’s penalty kill and does look to be in the midst of his best season since 2018-19.

The two moves give the Flames just 22 players on their roster, meaning they have an extra roster slot at their disposal should they decide to recall a player like Kevin Rooney, who is now in the AHL after arriving this offseason on a two-year, $1.3MM AAV contract.

Also of note regarding the open roster spot is the recent revelation (as reported by Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960) that Gilbert has returned to the ice for practice, albeit wearing a full face shield.

Gilbert has been out since December 18th, and its possible that DeSimone’s assignment to the AHL is paving the way for Gilbert’s return to the roster in the near future.