Panthers recall prospect Grigori Denisenko

The Panthers have been carrying an open roster spot since the All-Star break and they now have elected to fill it, announcing (Twitter link) the recall of winger Grigori Denisenko from Charlotte of the AHL.

It is the third recall of the season for the 22-year-old who is viewed as one of the top prospects in the organization. 

After playing just once with Florida last season, Denisenko has suited up a dozen times for them so far in 2022-23, picking up three assists while logging 11:20 per night in what has largely been a bottom-six role.

Things have gone better for him offensively in the minors as he has nine goals and a dozen helpers in 37 games with the Checkers. 

However, that’s basically the same rate he produced at last year (18 points in 30 games) and considering he’s in his third season in North America, it’s also reasonable to infer that they were hoping for a bit more progress offensively from Denisenko.

With the recall, the Panthers now have two extra forwards on their active roster; Colin White was the healthy scratch against Colorado on Saturday. 

It wouldn’t make sense for Florida to recall Denisenko to then turn around and sit him so it stands to reason that someone that suited up against the Avs will be scratched for their next game on Monday against Minnesota.