Kuznetsov, the 2020 second-round draft pick, made his NHL debut during his summons to the big club
Yan Kuznetsov received his first taste of big-league action.
Now he heads to the minors to build off that opportunity.
Kuznetsov, the Calgary Flames 2020 second-round draft choice who made his NHL debut last week, was returned to the AHL Wranglers on Sunday.
The 21-year-old defenceman played one game during his time with the big club, registering 11:58 of ice time and two shots on goal in the Jan. 9 victory over the Ottawa Senators. He was a healthy scratch in each of the past two games.
Kuznetsov has twice been recalled from the Wranglers in the last couple of weeks, so it is possible he could be brought back in time for Tuesday’s home clash with the Arizona Coyotes, which kicks off a six-game homestand.
However, defenceman Dennis Gilbert, who was injured in the Jan. 4 game against the Nashville Predators, has resumed practising and nearing a return.
Kuznetsov, 21, has played 31 games this season for the Wranglers, in which he has collected two goals, seven points, 13 penalty minutes and a plus-5 rating.
The Wranglers on Friday begin a road trip in California, starting with games against the Coachella Valley Firebirds.