Duehr determined to capitalize on fresh opportunity with Flames

Article content material

After incomes a one-way contract, Walker Duehr anticipated to spend all the season with the Calgary Flames.

Final week, along with his title on the NHL’s waiver wire, he out of the blue was questioning if he can be handed a one-way ticket to a different metropolis.

Article content material

“It’s an extended 24 hours of simply ready and guessing and taking part in out eventualities in your head,” Duehr mentioned of the waiver course of. “Not only for myself, however for household and for my spouse. She was on pins and needles, too. It doesn’t simply have an effect on me, proper?

Article content material

“It was a worrying time, for positive, however I’m comfortable to nonetheless be with the Flames.”

The Flames have to be thrilled they didn’t lose him — and never simply because they nonetheless imagine the 26-year-old proper winger may be far more impactful than he has proven in restricted motion up to now this season.

After briefly being demoted to the minors, Duehr was recalled Thursday morning from the Wranglers.

A pair hours later, fellow fourth-liner Adam Ruzicka was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Coyotes.

After which, throughout a deflating loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, A.J. Greer suffered a gruesome-looking harm to his left leg/ankle as he crashed awkwardly into the boards. There was no official replace on Greer’s standing, however it might be a shock if he’s obtainable on Saturday because the Flames wrap this humiliating homestand — they’re a woeful 1-4 up to now — towards the Chicago Blackhawks (8 p.m. MT, Sportsnet/Sportsnet 960 The Fan). Afterward, they’ll break up for his or her bye.

“I didn’t know when or if I’d be coming again up this 12 months,” Duehr mentioned after Thursday’s call-up, which ended a week-long stint within the AHL. “I’m fortunate sufficient to have the ability to get again up right here, so I simply wish to be prepared for my alternatives and simply attempt to seize them once they come.”

Article content material

Article content material

There’s actually a possibility — for Duehr, for Adam Klapka, for Cole Schwindt, maybe for one more up-and-comer — to ascertain themselves as fixtures on Calgary’s checking unit. Jakob Pelletier, who will return to motion with the Wranglers this weekend after lacking 4 months attributable to shoulder surgical procedure, will quickly be in that blend, too. Ditto for Kevin Rooney, now recovered from a shoulder harm of his personal.

After Thursday’s 5-2 loss to the Blue Jackets, a fourth straight setback on the Saddledome, Flames coach Ryan Huska griped that his squad has these days been missing “get-up-and-go.”

That’s one thing that Duehr, who muscled his means into the lineup final winter and was rewarded with a one-way deal, ought to have the ability to present.

Teh hassle is, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound ahead has averaged simply 1.32 hits per sport in his 19 appearances up to now this season, a sign that the straight-line speedster isn’t creating his traditional havoc on the forecheck.

That’s why he has been a frequent wholesome scratch.

That’s why he wound up on waivers.

That’s why 31 different groups finally handed.

Article content material

“It simply exhibits how fast it could possibly go, proper?” mentioned Duehr, who has mustered just one purpose — means again on Oct. 19 — and three assists in 2023-24. “Individuals all the time say how briskly the years go by, and it additionally exhibits simply how fast issues can occur. You may be up right here and be an on a regular basis NHLer and similar to that, you sort of get confronted with actuality.

“That’s the actuality of this enterprise — it’s a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately? enterprise. So it’s a must to be prepared for what comes with that, and it’s a must to earn your preserve daily.

“For me, I believe it’s nearly taking part in with a bit bit extra snarl and confidence,” he continued. “With me, confidence isn’t toe-dragging and making an attempt to bop round guys. It’s taking part in to my strengths, which is my velocity and my physicality, and simply taking part in a direct sport. And whereas doing that, additionally being accountable in my zone.

“So simply play assured in that means and get again to these issues that make me profitable.”

wgilbertson@postmedia.com

Article content material