Flyers Recall Defenseman David Jiříček From Phantoms

In a bit of surprising news, the Philadelphia Flyers have recalled defenseman David Jiříček from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, according to general manager Daniel Brière.

Jiříček was acquired from the Minnesota Wild ahead of the trade deadline in exchange for Bobby Brink and was subsequently reassigned to the AHL.

The former 6th overall pick has thrived quickly with the Phantoms, accumulating 2 goals and 13 points in 13 games.

It will be interesting to see if the Czechia native makes his Flyers debut with just 2 games remaining. The Flyers host the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow night and then the Montréal Canadiens on Tuesday.

There is a world where the Flyers can clinch a playoff spot with a win tomorrow night, but they will need a Columbus Blue Jackets loss tonight against the Boston Bruins. Otherwise, Game #82 will have dire implications for the final spot in the Metropolitan Division.

Jiříček had gone pointless in 25 games with the Wild earlier this season but has combined for 4 goals and 23 points in 37 games at the AHL-level between the Iowa Wild and the Phantoms.

With Rasmus Ristolainen remaining through the trade deadline, Jiříček’s path to NHL minutes were blocked. However, he signed a 2-year contract worth $3 million earlier this month, essentially earmarking his chances of making the club outright next season.