The Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, and Toronto Maple Leafs were among the teams that made big moves this week.
It’s hard to keep track of all the transactions in the American Hockey League (AHL), and it’s hard to care about most of them either. So, every Tuesday, Mike Fink looks at the big ones and their impact on the teams involved.
Luca Del Bel Belluz Called Up to Columbus
- The Columbus Blue Jackets are battling injuries, with Mathieu Olivier and Dmitry Voronkov both out. So, Luca Del Bel Belluz gets the call.
- Usually, an Oliver injury brings up a checking-line forward. However, Del Bel Belluz has earned his spot in the NHL, and maybe he can stay on the team for a playoff push.
Cameron Hughes Called Up to Dallas
- The Dallas Stars are another team reeling from injuries, with Sam Steel, Michael Bunting, and Roope Hintz out.
- Cameron Hughes is one of the best players in the American Hockey League (AHL) this season with 16 goals and 50 assists. At the minimum, Hughes is a placeholder until the Stars are healthy again.
- Texas, meanwhile, will miss him tonight but will probably get him back for a big weekend against the Chicago Wolves, who they are still trying to catch in the Central Division.
Beniot-Oliver Groulx Called Up to Toronto
- He’s the go-to player, along with Michael Pezzetta, who the Toronto Maple Leafs will call up and send down for the rest of the season. Not like it will help much at this point.
Avery Hayes Called Up to Pittsburgh
- This happened earlier in the week as the Pittsburgh Penguins added scoring. Avery Hayes, interestingly, added a spark to the offense, scoring a goal in the Monday night 8-3 win over the New York Islanders.
- So, among all the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins prospects, maybe Hayes is the one who stays.
Brennan Othmann Called Up to Calgary
- The Calgary Flames acquired Brennan Othmann at the trade deadline, a flashy player who never worked out with the New York Rangers and their affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.
- The Flames must find out what they have in him. Can Othmann be a part of their forward group in the coming seasons?