Flames recall Buddy Robinson from Stockton

The All-Star Break is over and the Calgary Flames have decided to use their extra roster spot. The club has announced that they’ve called up forward Buddy Robinson from the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat.

Robinson, 28, isn’t technically a “prospect” but he’s been a really valuable piece for the Heat this season. The big-bodied right winger has been exactly what they’ve needed, potting 16 goals and 30 points thus far this season. He’s got 12 goals and 21 points at even strength, which is still pretty solid.

Robinson, you may remember, grew up with Johnny Gaudreau. He’s in the second year of a league minimum deal that pays him $700,000 at the NHL level, so he’s inexpensive depth with some size and NHL experience.

The Flames were carrying 22 players prior to Robinson’s call-up, so this doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an injury or another move coming. It doesn’t rule it out, though, as the Flames have been only carrying 22 players in order to bank cap space for the trade deadline.