The Atlanta Thrashers have recalled right wing Spencer Machacek from the Chicago Wolves.
The 20-year-old forward, who racked up four points (G, 3A) in two matchups this weekend, ranks second on Chicago with 20 goals and 42 points – which is tied for 12th among American Hockey League rookies – in 66 matchups during his professional debut this season. He also leads the Wolves and ranks first among league rookies with 11 power-play goals, and shares fourth on the team with a +12 plus/minus rating this season.
Atlanta’s first choice, 67th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Machacek captained the WHL’s Vancouver Giants and led the squad with 33 goals and 78 points in 70 regular-season games last year. He also shared the Giants lead with five goals and tied for fourth on the team with seven points in 10 postseason outings.
Overall, the Lethbridge, Alberta, native registered 168 points (77G, 91A) and 154 penalty minutes in 203 career regular-season WHL contests with Vancouver, spanning three seasons (2005 to 2008), which includes ranking 14th in the WHL with 78 points last year. Machacek captured the 2007 Memorial Cup with the Giants, recording 20 points (9G, 11A) in 22 postseason tilts that year.
