The Utica Comets have announced that they are getting defenseman, Ashton Sautner, back from the parent Vancouver Canucks. Sautner was called up as insurance on December 18th after Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev went down with an injury. The Canucks are expected to get Erik Gudbranson back soon, which allows for Sautner to be returned.

So far this season, Sautner has played in 21 games for the Comets. The blueliner has picked up one goal and two assists, to go along with 20 penalty minutes over that span. The steady rearguard has been a rock for Comets head coach Trent Cull this season. With the Comets losing Evan McEneny, Jaime Sifers, and Philip Holm to injuries, as well as Wiercioch to a month-long call-up, Sautner has stepped up for the Comets and taken on a bigger role. He is a staple on the penalty kill, and at the time of his recall was being used on the Comets top defensive pairing with rookie Guillaume Brisebois.

I’m sure that Ashton will be welcomed back with open arms by his Comets mates.

The Comets are back in action on Wednesday at 4:00 pm Pacific, taking on the Toronto Marlies. CanucksArmy will have your post-game report following the game.