The Canadian changed his formation slightly just before leaving for his last trip before Christmas. Quebecer Anthony Richard was recalled from the Laval Rocket, while Rem Pitlick was transferred to the American League’s farm club.
Richard, 25, is the Rocket’s leading scorer this season. His 31 points in 27 games also rank him third in the league.
If employed by head coach Martin St-Louis, he will play his first NHL game in over three years. To date, the forward has touched the big league twice while playing with the Nashville Predators.
As for Pitlick, his fall continues. Used regularly last season, he has been relegated to a supporting role since the start of this campaign. He’s been limited to one point (one goal) in 14 games so far, and he’s played less than 10 minutes in each of his last seven games.
This is his third demotion of the season. The first time, he was the victim of an overflow of attackers. The second, he had been recalled urgently before being quickly given up to the minors. This third seems to be really related to his performance.
The Canadian will fly this Sunday to Arizona, to face the Coyotes on Monday in Tempe. He will then head to Colorado and then to Dallas.