Flames Summon Markus Granlund from Stockton

Fresh off a three-point night in the first game ever for the Stockton Heat, Markus Granlund is headed back to the National Hockey League. The Finnish-born center was recalled today by the Calgary Flames, taking the roster spot of the injured Lance Bouma.

It’s a pretty big opportunity for Granlund. He’s 22-years-old and waiver exempt, but he’s also played nearly as many NHL games to-date (55) as he has AHL contests (74). He’s just failed to really gain a foot-hold in the Flames roster full-time; in part because the Flames have had tons of center depth, and in part because Granlund hasn’t been amazing at face-offs. He’s been nearly a point-per-game player in the AHL, with 66 points in 74 games with Abbotsford, Adirondack and Stockton.

With Bouma out for three months, Granlund gets the first crack at full-time NHL employment. If he falters, he can easily be swapped out with another AHL body due to being waiver exempt. Let’s see how he responds to this test.

The Flames play next on Friday night in Winnipeg. With Bouma being placed on injured reserve and Granlund taking his spot, the Flames remain at 22 players on their active roster.