Flames assign Dennis Gilbert to the AHL’s Wranglers

The Calgary Flames have returned home from their lengthy road trip and made a roster move. The club announced on Sunday morning that defenceman Dennis Gilbert has been re-assigned to the American Hockey League’s Calgary Wranglers.

Gilbert had spent 19 of the previous 21 days on the NHL roster. When Michael Stone was injured, and with Chris Tanev dealing with an injury of his own, both Gilbert and Nick DeSimone were recalled from the Wranglers on Nov. 6. Gilbert was sent back to the AHL on Nov. 13, but he returned on Nov. 15 when the road trip began.

In seven games, Gilbert registered an assist and three fights playing exclusively on the third pairing. He was rock-solid in a limited role. But Stone’s return meant that somebody was probably headed to the farm – it wouldn’t make sense in the Flames’ cap situation to carry eight defenders – and since Connor Mackey requires waivers to go to the AHL, Gilbert was the simple choice.

The move drops the Flames to 22 players on their active roster: two goaltenders, seven defencemen and 13 forwards. The Flames are back in action on Tuesday when they host the Florida Panthers.