Anaheim Ducks defenceman Shea Theodore has had an up-and-down week.
The 21-year-old was sent to the San Diego Gulls of the AHL on Thursday after Anaheim signed restricted free agent Hampus Lindholm to a six-year contract.
Theodore was recalled on Friday, and played over 20 minutes in a 4-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, before being reasssigned to San Diego on Saturday.
On Monday, the Langley, B.C., native was seen practising with the Ducks, and sure enough, the team confirmed they had recalled the blueliner later that night.
The Lindholm signing has pushed Anaheim right up against the salary cap, so any savings that can be had by assigning a player to the minors are likely to be taken advantage of.
In Theodore, the Ducks have a talented rookie who was taken 26th overall in 2013. He played in 19 games with Anaheim last season, totalling eight points.
Lindholm has yet to play a game this season, and has been having trouble securing a visa. The Orange County Register suggests he might not be available until Nov. 9.
The Ducks have a logjam on the blue line, even with Simon Despres on long-term injured reserve, though a trade could help free up both cap and roster space.
Until Lindholm is available, Anaheim will likely roll out a defensive corps consisting of Kevin Bieksa, Clayton Stoner, Cam Fowler, Sami Vatanen, Josh Manson, and for now, Theodore.
