Fiala returned, mess ensues

So, Ondrej Fiala has been returned to the Silvertips by the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. That throws a monkey wrench in both Everett’s overage and Euro situations. More after practice …

… OK, I’m back. Here’s the scoop. Fiala is scheduled to arrive back tonight and should be eligible to play in this weekend’s games. Apparently he made it through Minnesota’s camp unscathed and comes back completely healthy. Normally teams are not allowed to carry three Euros for any length of time, but because Fiala is an overager the Tips do not need to make a decision until the Oct. 11 overager deadline.

So let’s recap:

Everett has six overagers (Fiala, Dan Gendur, Brennan Sonne, Brandon Campos, Dane Crowley and David Reekie) and can keep just three. The Tips also have three Euros (Fiala, Lukas Vartovnik and Vitali Karamnov) and can keep just two. Fiala, of course, would take up both an overager and Euro spot. Then there’s the questioons of what to do about the backup goaltending position … Have fun, Mr. Soetaert.

One other note from today’s practice. Defenseman Mike Alexander looked in bad shape when he had to be helped from the ice Saturday. He was subsequently listed on the injury report with a hip flexor impairment that would keep him out two weeks. However, he participated in today’s practice and looked pretty good. My guess is he’ll be back sooner rather than later.