The Carolina Hurricanes announced Wednesday that they have recalled forward Aleksi Saarela from the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League. Saarela has 13 goals and six assists for 19 points in 31 games this season with the minor-league club.
This is Saarela’s first callup to the National Hockey League. The Finnish forward was acquired in the Eric Staal trade that sent Staal to the New York Rangers and Saarela and two second round draft picks to the Canes. The move comes after recently recalled forward Lucas Wallmark suffered a groin injury against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.