Calgary Flames forward call-up Walker Duehr could soon be headed back to the minors.
Or headed elsewhere to continue his NHL career.
Duehr was placed on waivers Tuesday. If he is not claimed by another club, he’ll presumably be reassigned to the AHL’s Wranglers.
The 27-year-old right-winger has logged 16 appearances with the Flames so far this season, with zero goals, one assist and 28 hits.
He has been a healthy scratch for three of the past eight games, including Saturday’s 3-1 victory over the Jets in Winnipeg, although head coach Ryan Huska seemed complimentary of his work after Tuesday’s practice.
“I think Walker, on this recall for us, has been a different player than in the past, where I think he’s used his size and speed more consistently than what we’ve seen prior,” Huska said.
That blend of size — he is listed at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds — and speed could potentially be attractive as rival GMs scan the waiver wire, although it’s worth noting that Duehr did go unclaimed as one of the final training camp cuts in October.
If the Flames are looking to shake up their fourth line, Dryden Hunt could be the top candidate for a promotion.
Hunt has surged to the top of the AHL scoring race with a dozen goals and 40 points in 38 games. The 29-year-old has continued to produce even with his start-of-season linemates, Rory Kerins and Jakob Pelletier, both up with the big club.
Hunt has plenty of NHL experience, having totalled 230 outings at the highest level, including 28 with the Flames during the 2023-34 campaign.
The Wranglers are in action Tuesday, wrapping up a road trip against the Ontario Reign.