Calgary Flames defenseman Travis Hamonic suffered a facial fracture during his opening night fight with Erik Gudbranson and is considered week-to-week.
As a result, the team has recalled defenseman Rasmus Andersson. When Brad Treliving submitted a 23-man roster sans Andersson, he predicted it wouldn't be long before the latter returned.
#Flames GM Brad Treliving live with us right now: “I predict we’ll see Rasmus Andersson here before too long.…
— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) October 2, 2018
Treliving was right, albeit maybe not under the ideal circumstances.
While Andersson may not have the same cache, I think he is capable of replacing Hamonic if given the chance.
The Flames controlled 54.69% of the shot attempts and 53.72% of the scoring chances with Andersson on the ice during his 10 game stint last season. For perspective, Mark Giordano and Dougie Hamilton were the only Flames blueliners to better Andersson in those categories.
Andersson also looked quite good during preseason play, and his AHL numbers suggest he's ready to be a useful contributor at the NHL level.
He won't bring the same edge as Hamonic, obviously, but I think he is a better puck mover and much more gifted offensively.
I'd like to see him get a legitimate shot alongside Noah Hanifin on the 2nd pairing as, at this point, it's been well established Michael Stone is not a good solution in that role. The same can certainly be said of Dalton Prout. Their skill sets just don't translate to much success in today's NHL.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com. Recent posts: New year, same problems for Flames on opening night