The Florida Panthers recalled defenseman Shane O’Brien on Thursday the club announced.
The 31-year-old has five goals and 13 points in 19 games this season with the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage.
O’Brien has been recalled because of concerns surrounding the health of rookie defenseman Aaron Ekblad.
The 18-year-old missed practice Thursday due to soreness.
Aaron Ekblad missed #FlaPanthers practice today due to soreness. Both he and Gallant say it's nothing. #RedWings
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) December 11, 2014
O’Brien has yet to appear in an NHL game with the Panthers season. Florida invited O’Brien to camp on a tryout and signed him to a one-year, $650,000 contract on Oct. 6.
He last appeared in an NHL game with the Calgary Flames in January.
Florida continues its’ three-game road trip Friday night in Detroit.