Rasmus Andersson staying as a regular recall

With Dougie Hamilton and Michael Stone thankfully healthy and ready to play, the expected news today would be that Stockton defensive standout and emergency recall Rasmus Andersson would be sent back down to the AHL.

Not exactly.

As the team cannot keep him around on an emergency basis with a healthy roster, they have instead chosen to burn one of their four non-emergency recalls on Andersson. While a bit surprising, it’s totally deserved. The 2015 second rounder has come a far ways just this year. After being singled out at development camp for his conditioning, Andersson turned it around quickly. He has separated himself from the pack in Stockton (still CHL eligible, by the way), putting himself just about #1 on the prospect depth chart.

The move makes sense for a number of reasons. Firstly, Stockton’s defensive corps is a little clogged. Even without Rasmus, they have Oliver Kylington, Tyler Wotherspoon, Kenney Morrison,  Kayle Doetzel, Mike Kostka, Ryan Culkin, Brett Kulak, and Keith Aulie hanging around. There’s also the possibility of Flames prospect Brandon Hickey joining in the next few weeks, so the Flames would prefer to keep space for him.

No word on when he gets into the roster. Andersson was wearing the extra skater jersey in morning skate with Dennis Wideman, and Michael Stone is in. Hopefully, we can see him soon.