Jiri Hudler’s return to the Calgary Flames remains up in the air.
The Flames don’t anticipate the forward, who returned to Czech Republic due to the death of his father, to be in the lineup for Sunday’s season opener against the San Jose Sharks (4 p.m., Sportsnet West)
In fact, the team said Saturday night Hudler wasn’t even in Calgary.
There were reports from the Czech Republic he had departed after Friday’s funeral for his father, Jiri Sr.
“Obviously, he’s in a very tough situation,” Flames head coach Bob Hartley said after Saturday’s practice.
“I guess he was raised by his dad, so it’s one of those situations where time (taken) is not a factor.”
Hudler was signed as an unrestricted free-agent to a four-year, US$16 million contract in the summer.
The Flames also play at home Monday night against the Anaheim Ducks.
