According to the AHL transaction website, the Boston Bruins have recalled depth forward Marc McLaughlin.
McLaughlin’s time on the AHL roster was brief; he was only reassigned yesterday afternoon.
Following the allowed roster transactions under the roster freeze, McLaughlin was eligible for recall to the NHL active roster because he was recalled in a separate transaction after December 11th. It was just another paper maneuver, but it did allow the Bruins to save crucial contract space for a brief period.
McLaughlin has had another hybrid year in his fourth season of professional hockey. He has spent the majority of his career in the AHL with Providence, but he has also appeared in 23 NHL games for the Bruins.
He has failed to translate his NCAA point-per-game offense to the professional ranks. McLaughlin’s output has improved this season, with five goals and 10 points in 15 games for the AHL Bruins, compared to six goals and 14 points in 68 games last season.
McLaughlin’s lack of consistency in the AHL has prevented him from receiving a meaningful NHL opportunity. He’s scored six goals in his career and shown signs of being a solid defensive forward, but he has yet to secure a full-time roster berth.
Despite his limited role in games, he will gain significant experience during Bruins practices. Boston faces the struggling Buffalo Sabres tonight, which presents as good an opportunity as any for McLaughlin to enter the lineup.
