Calgary Flames‘ 2nd round pick in the 2011 draft (#57 overall) 2nd year defenseman Tyler Wotherspoon(26) was recalled on a number of occasions during the 2014/2015 season but only managed to appear in one game and went a fairly tough -3 plus/minus.
In his rookie campaign though he skated 14 NHL games with 4 assists and a -3 rating.
He was steadily able to increase his assist totals in four years with Portland Winterhawks peaking at 31 helpers in his final season.
He was also won the 2013 WHL Championship and went to the Finals in 2011 and 2012.
The 6’2″ 210 lbs. blue liner put up AHL career highs for games played (61), goals (2), assists (22), points (24) and shots on net (107) but had a hard time finding playing time with the parent club.
That is until coach Bob Hartley decided to insert him into the lineup for his playoff debut in the Stanley Cup Western Conference First Round series vs. Vancouver Canucks.
Although he has been used sparingly, averaging roughly 9 shifts and 4 minutes total ice time per contest, he played effectively enough to stay and will likely see his role increased.
The 22-year old is signed to a 3-year entry level contract and set to become a restricted free agent at the end of next season.
He’s well-regarded by the coaching staff and has a real chance to make the 2015/2016 opening night roster on a squad with much defensive depth.