The Calgary Flames are already making moves that they refused to do last season: recalling young players from the AHL. The team announced on Thursday morning that they recalled defenceman Ilya Solovyov from the Calgary Wranglers.
Here is what you need to know about the recall and notes from today’s practice.
11 a.m. update: Solovyov is set to make his NHL debut!
Solo: A Calgary Flames Story
Solovyov, a seventh-round selection by the team in 2020, had an outstanding training camp and preseason for the team. Had it not been for his waiver-exemption status, he would probably have remained with the team to start the season. The team opted to not risk putting Dennis Gilbert or Jordan Oesterle on waivers, and instead have the 23-year-old Solovyov start the season in the AHL.
Through four games, Solovyov has a goal and assist for the Wranglers, which has helped the team get off to a hot start.
The recall was primarily due to the Rasmus Andersson suspension and the fact the team does not have an extra defenceman for the next two games. Time will tell if Solovyov is able to get any NHL action, but it’s a promising sign to have a younger player at least get the recall this early in the season. Here are some additional salary cap tidbits from Ryan Pike on the move.
Additionally, some were surprised the recall was not used on a forward after the apparent Adam Ruzicka injury on Tuesday night. Ruzicka was at practice on Thursday, for a brief period of time, and while it doesn’t look like he will play tonight it’s a good sign that it’s nothing long-term.
