The Montreal Canadiens announced on Wednesday that they recalled defenseman Karl Alzner from their AHL affiliate Laval Rocket. Alzner will practice with the team in Brossard, Quebec, on Thursday before heading to Florida to play the Panthers on Friday night.
The team also placed David Schlemko on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, retroactive to December 20th.
Canadiens Recall Karl Alzner
Alzner was sent to the Laval Rocket on November 27th. In 10 games in the minors, Alzner scored one goal and one assist.
Before being demoted, Alzner played eight games with the Canadiens. In those eight games, he registered one assist.
For Schlemko, it’s the second time he’s been injured this season. Schlemko missed the beginning of the year with a knee injury which he sustained in the pre-season. He returned to action on November 10th.
In 18 games with the Canadiens this season, Schlemko has registered two assists, both of which came on the power play.
A Second Chance for Alzner
For Alzner, he gets a rare second opportunity to prove that he still belongs in the NHL. The Canadiens signed Alzner to a five year, $23.125 million contract on July 1st, 2017. While he has yet to live up to that contract, the Canadiens are hoping his stint in the AHL will prove beneficial for him and he will tighten up his defensive game.
Alzner has never been an offensive powerhouse but was known for playing a strong defensive game during his time with the Washington Capitals. He will need to bring that back to Montreal with him if he wants to earn a full-time place with the team. With the NHL moving towards a faster pace of play, Alzner will have his work cut out for him. He will have to be faster to beat out one of Brett Kulak, Mike Reilly or Victor Mete for a place in the Habs line up.
The Canadiens will take on the Florida Panthers in Florida on Friday night. As of now, it’s uncertain if Alzner will dress for the game.
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