The Manitoba Moose have made two changes on the blue line.
The Manitoba Moose have shuffled the deck as some injuries have crept into the fold in early stages of the 2023-24 American Hockey League season.
First, the team opted to send defenceman Dmitry Kuzmin down to the ECHL's Norfolk Admirals, before recalling fellow defender Dawson Barteaux from the Idaho Steelheads.
For Kuzmin, it was more about getting playing time than it was about a demotion. Unable to slot into the lineup through the season's first month, the Belarusian blueliner made an immediate impact with Norfolk, as he picked up a goal and an assist in three games over the past few days.
Returning to the fold is Barteaux of Foxwarren, MB. After also failing to get into the lineup, the 2018 sixth round draft pick (Dallas) was sent to the ECHL for a chance to get some game action. Much like that of Kuzmin, he also did not disappoint.
Barteaux had two goals and four points in three contests for the Steelheads over the past week.
Also of note for the Moose is the loan of forward Dominic Toninato from the Jets, to which the club expects him to get back into playing shape in the two-game set at Canada Life Centre.
Next up for Manitoba is a weekend series with the Laval Rocket. Things kick off on Sunday afternoon, with a 2:00 PM central puck drop.