NEW YORK - General manager Ron Hextall thought the Flyers needed a grinding-type player to replace the injured Sam Gagner, which is why he recalled Colin McDonald from the Phantoms instead of high-scoring Petr Straka.
McDonald, a veteran right winger who was the Phantoms' captain, was a better fit, Hextall said.
"Whenever you're looking to recall somebody, you're looking for a guy who brings qualities you feel you need in a certain place in your lineup - and Mac right now was the fit," Hextall said before the Flyers faced the New York Islanders on Wednesday night at the Barclays Center.