Flames recall Dennis Gilbert from the AHL’s Wranglers, place Chris Tanev on injury reserve

In advance of their four game road trip to California, the Calgary Flames have made a pair of roster moves. The club has announced that they’ve called up blueliner Dennis Gilbert from the American Hockey League’s Calgary Wranglers. To make room on the active roster, they’ve placed Chris Tanev on the injury reserve list.

So let’s break this down!

Tanev to the IR is primarily a housekeeping item. Tanev was injured on Dec. 12 in Montreal and his IR assignment is retroactive to that date. Since he’s required to be out for seven days on the IR, and he’s already been out for six days, he could be activated for Tuesday’s game against San Jose (if he’s ready to go). Tanev’s IR assignment just opens up a roster spot, but doesn’t really restrict his return in any meaningful way.

Gilbert is being recalled for the third time this season. He has one assist in seven NHL games with the Flames and one goal in 15 AHL games with the Wranglers this season. He’s a really reliable left shot depth defender, and he’s been probably the most consistent blueliner in all three zones for the Wranglers this season.

Although the NHL’s holiday roster freeze runs Dec. 19-28, because Gilbert was recalled after Dec. 11 and has already cleared waivers, he can be returned to the AHL by Dec. 23 if the Flames require the roster spot.

The Flames begin their road trip on Sunday night in San Jose. Both Tanev and Gilbert are travelling with the club.