The Calgary Flames have made a roster move to help their American Hockey League affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, get their roster down to a manageable number prior to the start of their season. Forward Parker Bell, who just recently turned 20, has been re-assigned to the Western Hockey League’s Tri-City Americans.

Bell signed his three-year entry-level deal with the Flames during training camp. Because he’s 20 (for CBA purposes), Bell’s contract begins to toll regardless of where he plays this coming season. But given the number of bodies with the Wranglers in the forward ranks, particularly established veterans, the decision was likely made to send him back to the WHL to dominate rather than shipping him to play in the ECHL with Rapid City. 20-year-olds under NHL deals usually don’t get sent back to junior, but when it does happen it’s typically in order to get them playing time – the Flames have done similar in the past, notably with Micheal Ferland during his 20-year-old season.

Bell was excellent for the Americans in 2022-23, posting 25 goals and 64 points in 55 games with the club. He’ll be relied upon to be an offensive leader for his club once again in 2023-24. Bell was a fifth-round pick of the Flames back at the 2022 NHL Draft.

Due to this move, Bell isn’t eligible to play in the AHL this season until Tri-City is eliminated from the playoffs.