The Calgary Flames announced Wednesday afternoon that forward Adam Ruzicka and defenceman Nick DeSimone have been placed on waivers. If they both clear, they will be presumably heading to the Calgary Wranglers of the AHL.
Ruzicka and DeSimone’s seasons thus far
Ruzicka has had a disappointment of a season, to say the least. The centre has been in and out of the lineup at times this season, and when he has been in, he has failed to make an impact on the ice as Ruzicka has skated as primarily the fourth line centre for a majority of the season.
He was scratched Tuesday night against the St. Louis Blues in favour of recent call-up Cole Schwindt and head coach Ryan Huska has alluded to fourth line spots being up for grabs. Ruzicka has only nine points in 39 games played this season.
DeSimone has been a surprise for the club this year, as the 29-year-old has skated in 23 games this season scoring five points, including his first NHL goal late in December. With Oliver Kylington nearing a return and Dennis Gilbert back from his injury, somebody had to go, and DeSimone has been deemed the odd man out.
Players on the farm are making headway
Like I mentioned above, Schwindt was the most recent player to make his way from the Wranglers to the Flames and play this season. The players on the Wranglers are making the choices in the head office very difficult when it comes the players on the NHL roster holding their spots. Adam Klapka, Matt Coronato, Martin Pospisil and Connor Zary are just a few guys who are looking to take spots or have already taken full-time roster spots on the Flames this season.
Entering now is another name that the Flames will be happy to see: Injured forward Jakob Pelletier will also be suiting up for the Wranglers this weekend after rehab with his shoulder.
This news is welcomed as the Flames’ forward was poised his sophomore NHL season, but having his return eased in by means of the AHL will give him a chance to get his feet back under him so he can be more effective when he’s back in the NHL.
