Flames recall Curtis Lazar from Stockton Heat

After playing a game with just 11 forwards, the Flames have brought Curtis Lazar back up to the NHL, reportedly on an emergency recall.

Lazar, who has 37 points in 49 AHL games this season, has yet to see any NHL action this season. He was previously called up by the Flames on Feb. 15, but sat as a healthy scratch for 11 straight games before finally being demoted on March 9. Alan Quine was brought up in his place, and has dressed for one game since being recalled.

After spending the season relatively healthy, though, it appears some injuries are catching up to the Flames: James Neal hasn’t dressed since Feb. 14, while both Sean Monahan and Sam Bennett missed the Flames’ previous game (Monahan due to illness which has actually seen him miss the last five periods, while Bennett is day-to-day with an injury).

Lazar’s return to the fold implies the Flames’ affected forwards may be out a little longer yet, though with the playoffs clinched and just 10 games remaining in the season, the team is likely going to keep things very close to the vest, and can afford to take their time with players’ various ailments.

However, Neal may be close to returning:

With Lazar, the Flames at least have 12 healthy forwards; as he is up on emergency basis, however, he will have to return to the AHL if the Flames are able to dress a full lineup without him.