The Flames’ midseason vacation is just about over. On Thursday, they’ll return to practice; on Friday, they’ll return to game action. All that’s left to do before then is the basics off-ice – such as recalling forward Andrew Mangiapane, which they have done in advance of returning to the ice.

Mangiapane, along with Juuso Valimaki, was sent down to the Heat just after the Flames’ final game before the All-Star break. The move was done so both players could get a couple of games in – Stockton played twice over the past week – while saving the Flames a bit on the cap.

Without recalling a forward, the Flames would have only had 12 – no extras. Mangiapane’s return to the big club means he’ll likely be dressing. He’s averaged 9:53 in ice time so far this year, but played just eight minutes against the Hurricanes, the most recent game the Flames have played, and just 4:34 against the Oilers the game before that.

In his two games with the Heat over the break, Mangiapane scored two goals and had an assist.

Meanwhile, there’s no need to call up Valimaki at this time – not only is he getting back into game shape from an injury suffered all the way back in November, but Oliver Kylington has been playing well in his stead. The Flames presently have more options at defence than they do at forward.