In a bit of a surprising move, Carolina Hurricanes recalled their minor league affiliate Charlotte Checkers‘ team captain Brett Sutter(14) to fill-in.
He has yet to record a point in four AHL games but is said to been great in the NHL training camp and in his fifth pro season has emerged as a leader. He also switched his jersey number from 14 to 7 this year.
In 19 NHL games he has just 1 goal and 1 assist. Adding to those totals will go a long way to help him make the jump more permanently.
3rd year center Paul Byron(12), Buffalo‘s 6th round pick in 2007 (#179 overall), was traded to Calgary Flames at the NHL draft in late June.
He played in his first 8 NHL games last season registering a goal and an assist. He’s small at only 5’9″ 170 lbs but he moves quick out there and some see him potentially making the Flames starting lineup on opening night 2011.
I think he should get up to a playing weight of 185-190 before he can really be an impact player.
Enjoyed watching him play in Portland for his 1st two pro seasons.
5th round 2006 Flyers draft pick (#145 overall) Jon Rheault(26) may have found his niche in Calgary Flames organization. Last season was a breakthrough year for the 4th year pro with their AHL affiliate Abbotford Heat (34 points, 12 goals & 22 assists) in 79 games and really being on the cusp of getting a call-up but heard that it was more of a numbers game than anything keeping him from his NHL debut. I expect him to get his first action in the show with Calgary, if not this season than next for the 25-year old.
He played his college hockey at Providence College from 2004-2008.
