One of the Calgary Flames’ top offensive prospects is headed to the National Hockey League, at least for a little while. The Flames announced on Thursday morning that they’ve recalled Adam Ruzicka from the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat.

The 22-year-old Ruzicka was a fourth round selection by the Flames back in 2017. He’s in the third year of his entry-level deal, and has emerged as Stockton’s top centre. He’s also currently tied with Jakob Pelletier with 16 points in 13 games as the Heat’s leading scorer. (Ruzicka has 10 goals in those 13 games.) He also played for Slovakia in the Olympic qualifying tournament in late summer, successfully cementing his country’s spot in the upcoming games in Beijing.

The Flames are currently without winger Brett Ritchie, who’s on the injury reserve list with a lower-body injury. Winger Walker Duehr was originally up in Ritchie’s place and served as 13th forward (dressing for one game) but he was returned to Stockton on Wednesday. Adding Ruzicka to the big club’s roster, even for a little while, gives him practice reps with the NHL group and coaching staff, and rewards him for his strong start to the season with some NHL pay cheques, even if only for a little while.

Ruzicka was recalled late last season and registered one assist in three NHL games.

The Flames are back in action on Saturday night when they host the Winnipeg Jets.

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