Changes afoot with Grizz

WEST VALLEY CITY — The Utah Grizzlies have been busy this week, even if they haven't played a game. Six players have been involved in transactions.

On Wednesday, Utah assigned center David Bararuk and re-assigned forward Brett Draney to the Idaho Steelheads, its primary ECHL affiliate.

Utah, which hosts Grand Rapids Friday and Saturday at the E Center, also signed 21-year-old ECHL all-star left wing Charles Linglet to a professional tryout. And the parent Dallas Stars have made some moves affecting Utah.

Dallas on Tuesday recalled goaltender Jason Bacashihua and reassigned goalie Mike Smith and center Antti Miettinen to the Grizzlies.

Bararuk, 20, has played in 41 games with Utah this season, scoring three goals with seven assists. Draney, 22, has played in 29 games with the Grizzlies, scoring a goal with one assist. In two games with the Steelheads, Draney contributed a couple of goals.

Linglet played 41 games with the Alaska Aces of the ECHL during his rookie season, scoring 14 goals with 24 assists. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound forward from Montreal played four seasons (253 games) in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Baie-Comeau, where he compiled career numbers of 108 goals and 152 assists. During the 2001-02 season, Linglet scored 52 goals and added 71 assists for 123 points in 72 games.

Smith, 21, was called up by Dallas Jan. 7 and did not play in a game for the Stars. Prior to his call-up, the Kingston, Ontario, native played in 18 games with Utah posting a 7-9-0 record with a 2.86 goals against average and a .909 save percentage.

Miettinen, 23, of Finland, has had several stints with the Stars this season, scoring a goal in 16 games. In 14 games with Utah he has scored four goals with six assists.

Bacashihua, 21, has played in 23 games with Utah this season posting a 6-13-3 record with a 2.65 goals against average and a .907 save percentage.