The Flames have recalled top prospect Rasmus Andersson from the AHL’s Stockton Heat. His recall comes at the expense of Flames second pairing defender Travis Hamonic, who has been placed on the IR with a facial fracture, sustained after a fight against Erik Gudbranson. He is listed as week-to-week.

Andersson was the final cut of training camp 2018, and likely the hardest to make. He couldn’t crack the NHL roster’s right side depth, being passed over by TJ Brodie, Hamonic, and Michael Stone. With the Flames being unable to move either defender like they did with Brett Kulak for Juuso Valimaki, Andersson was sent down to Stockton to begin the season.

Hamonic missed much of the first period against the Canucks, before returning for the second and third frames in the season opener.

Based on Thursday’s practice pairings, Andersson could slide right in to Hamonic’s spot on the second pairing for the rematch against the Canucks. Flames extra defender Dalton Prout was in that spot next to Noah Hanifin, perhaps acting as a placeholder.

Hanifin-Andersson was also a preseason pairing for a few games, so perhaps they are put back together. We’ll see at Saturday’s morning skate.