The Calgary Flames have recalled forward Dryden Hunt from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, with Anthony Mantha being placed on Injured Reserve to make room on Thursday.
Mantha, 30, suffered a lower-body injury in Tuesday’s game against Montreal following a collision with Emil Heineman and will be unavailable until at least November 13, per IR regulations. Hunt is an older player with a bit of experience who can play or sit without hindering the development of some younger prospects currently getting big minutes in the AHL.
Mantha has been a versatile presence for the Flames since he was signed in free agency this summer. He’s been up and down in terms of his production, but he has contributed four goals and three assists over 13 games. His ability to play up and down the lineup, as well as play special teams creates a bit of a hole for the organization.
Meanwhile, Hunt, a 28-year-old forward has posted 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 12 AHL games while playing on the top line with Jakob Pelletier. He joined the Flames organization at the 2023 trade deadline from the Toronto Maple Leafs and played 28 NHL games with Calgary last season. The Flames know what he is and he brings NHL experience, having appeared in 230 NHL games throughout his career.
Why Didn’t the Flames Call Up Someone Younger?
The Flames may have considered other options beyond Hunt. Among the names that could have been recalled were Jakob Pelletier, Adam Klapka, and Sam Honzek. Instead of rushing any of these three back to the main club, the organization has opted to keep these developing players in the AHL for more substantial minutes.
Some may argue that the Flames need to make the younger players a priority, while others might say having a flexible option who doesn’t necessarily need the extra minutes is the way to go.
