Flames Recall Markus Granlund From Adirondack

In a move that seems a bit odd to me, the Calgary Flames announced this afternoon that they’ve recalled Markus Granlund from the Adirondack Flames. Presumably he’ll fly in tonight and join the team on the ice tomorrow.

No corresponding assignments were announced, so this appears to be a straight-up addition to the roster and the burning-off for the third of the team’s four non-emergency recalls.

Granlund, 21, has been recalled four previous times this season.

The Finnish product has 13 points in 35 NHL games this season (and 16 in his 44 career games) and 17 points in 21 games with the Baby Flames. He’s shown offensive flashes, but both his defensive game and face-offs arguably need work.

The reason the move confuses me is that, since no injury announcement has been made, one has to surmise it’s to give Calgary extra bodies. They already have two – Drew Shore and Emile Poirier – in terms of forwards. No idea why they need a third right now, particularly with Paul Byron reportedly making progress towards a return. And even moreso considering the Adirondack Flames are besieged with injuries right now.

UPDATE: Per Diana Nearhos of the Glens Falls Post-Star, Adirondack’s injury list:

The Baby Flames presently have 11 healthy forwards, 8 defensemen and three goalies. Presumably a defender will play up at forward again tonight against Rockford.