The Checkers' injury-plagued blue line has started to work its way back to full health. With that, Charlotte has assigned rookie Tyler Ganly to the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.
The move was likely spurred on by the impending return of Rasmus Rissanen, who has been cleared to play after missing nine games due to injury.
"Today was really his first big push to see where he’s at," said head coach Mark Morris of Rissanen, who was a full participant in practice for the first time since sustaining his injury. "I haven’t found out exactly how he’s feeling right now, but he looked like he was ready to go. We’re hopeful that his veteran presence is going to help to shore things up and settle down our defensive corps."
Ganly has found himself the healthy extra more often than not this season, appearing in six games so far. The move to Florida will likely garner the rookie a significantly increased amount of ice time.
"He wasn’t going to see much ice here right now," said Morris. "Obviously every point and every game is important to us, so you don't want to throw in a young guy like that that needs some flexibility. That's the main reason for him not being in the lineup here. Hopefully he can see some good ice time with the Everblades."
Ganly will jump right into action with the Everblades, who play Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The Checkers head off on a quick road trip to Texas, facing the San Antonio Rampage Wednesday and the Texas Stars on Friday. They will be carrying just one healthy extra, as Brendan Woods will remain out due to injury.
