Flames remove Backlund from IR, recall Rychel

The Calgary Flames made a series of roster moves Sunday, removing forward Mikael Backlund from the injured reserve and recalling forward Kerby Rychel from the AHL's Stockton Heat, the team announced.

In corresponding changes, the Flames reassigned goaltender Jon Gillies and forward Andrew Mangiapane to Stockton.

Gillies' demotion indicates netminder Mike Smith may no longer be sidelined with an injury he sustained against the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 12.

Backlund missed the last four games with a concussion. He's notched 17 points in 29 contests this season.

Rychel has yet to make his debut with the Flames. He's scored 13 goals and added eight helpers in 25 AHL games this season after spending last year in the Montreal Canadiens' organization.

Copyright (C) 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.