Thursday's Phantoms Update - Several Roster Moves

Sam Gagner is back with the Flyers. Photo: Nina Weiss/The Home News

While the Lehigh Valley Phantoms have a week of practice leading up to their lone game of the week Saturday night in Hershey, the roster is going through some significant changes - changes that help alleviate the Phantoms' veteran problems.

There were also some familiar faces back on the ice at practice earlier this afternoon.

More on all the moves and how they affect the Phantoms moving forward after the jump.



Gagner Back With Flyers, Lashoff Released From PTO

Sam Gagner wasn't at today's practice in Whitehall. He's been called up to Philadelphia after posting six points (1G-5A) in nine AHL games with Lehigh Valley. I spoke with Gagner often during his brief stint with the Phantoms and it was quickly apparent he still has much left to offer at the NHL level. It took him a game or two to get his legs under him after going five weeks between playing games, but after that he was a noticeable player on the ice in the AHL.

I wrote a few stories on Gagner while he was with Lehigh Valley, both when he first arrived to the Phantoms and two weekends ago while he was gearing up for his return to the NHL. He was obviously disappointed, but did nothing but have a positive attitude during his time with the Phantoms.

Matt Lashoff has been released from his professional tryout contract, per the American Hockey League's transactions page. In addition, Adam Comrie has been called up to Lehigh Valley to give the Phantoms eight healthy defensemen.

Lashoff was simply stuck on a team with too many veterans. He appeared in 17 games with Lehigh Valley, registering two assists. His last appearance came back on January 3rd.

Comrie, on the other hand, has been absolutely tearing it up with the Phantoms' ECHL affiliate in Reading. He has 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) in 39 games and his shot from the point might be a welcomed addition to the Phantoms' power play. Comrie appeared in 40 AHL games with the Phantoms last season, tallying five goals and adding 13 assists.

Forward Kevin Sundher was a participant at practice today, per my photographer Nina Weiss. He's been out of action since December 27th. Injured forward Geoff Walker also skated today, who had been with Reading this season.

What this all means is that without Gagner and Lashoff on the roster, the Phantoms are down to just seven veterans on the roster - six of which can play in the lineup at one time. Aaron Palushaj, who was a healthy scratch for all three games last weekend, can return to the lineup on Saturday in Hershey. Jay Rosehill was injured in practice last week, and will be the lone veteran scratch for the time being.