With injuries mounting, the Carolina Hurricanes have recalled forward Patrick Dwyer, the captain of the Albany River Rats, to fill the hole. To make roster space for Dwyer, the Canes moved injured center Eric Staal to injured reserve.
Dwyer, who played 13 games with the Canes last season, is second in scoring with the Rats, registering a team-high nine goals and 15 points. Only Jerome Samson — who Rutherford had said would also be considered for the promotion — has more points (18) in Albany. He scored one goal with Carolina last season.
Here is the release from the team:
HURRICANES RECALL PATRICK DWYER FROM ALBANYCam Ward placed on long-term injured reserve; Eric Staal placed on injured reserve
RALEIGH, NC—Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has recalled Patrick Dwyer from Albany of the American Hockey League (AHL). The Hurricanes have placed Cam Ward on the long-term injured list and Eric Staal on injured reserve. Dwyer will be available for tonight’s game against Toronto.
Dwyer, 26, has totaled nine goals and six assists (15 points) in 19 games with Albany this season. He saw his first NHL action during the 2008-09 season for the Hurricanes, scoring his first NHL goal and playing a total of 13 regular-season games. The Spokane, WA, native also played in two Stanley Cup playoff games for Carolina, notching one assist. Dwyer originally signed with the Hurricanes as a free agent in July 2006, and inked a new one-year contract with Carolina on July 1, 2009.