Edmonton Oilers recall defenceman Philip Broberg

The Edmonton Oilers have recalled defenceman Philip Broberg, the club announced Monday night.

It came hours before puck drop ahead of their opening game against the LA Kings in the first round of the playoffs.

For Broberg, it marks his second recall in as many weeks after the blue liner was called up for a pair of late-season games. In games against the Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche, he averaged 17:05 of ice time, scoring two assists in the games, both of which were losses.

Despite that, Broberg looked sharp, helping the Oilers keep their head above water. Thanks to some power play ice time, the Oilers were an even 2-2 in goals for and against, and at 5v5 with him on the ice, the team controlled 52.27 percent of the shot attempt share, 55 percent of the scoring chances, and 63.48 percent of the expected goal share, as calculated by Natural Stat Trick.

He was sent back to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors days ago, and it was assumed he would remain with the club for their first-round playoff series against the Ontario Reign, the LA Kings’ AHL affiliate.

His game has taken a big step forward this season, scoring five goals and 38 points in 49 games this season with the Condors. He joined the club in December, after a trade request from he and his camp broke. The Oilers never moved him, going so far as telling teams he wouldn’t be involved in any deals for rentals ahead of the trade deadline.

While it took a bit for his game to come around, he was red hot to end the season as in his final nine games, he racked up three goals and 15 points. On Saturday night, he notched three assists in the Condors’ 5-3 in over the Henderson Silver Knights, including one where he helped set up Brad Malone for his final regular season AHL goal.

Earlier Monday, the Oilers recalled goaltender Ryan Fanti to serve as their emergency backup.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.