Since being recalled from the AHL in lieu of Micheal Ferland's injury, Derek Grant has played nine games for the Calgary Flames. As of late, he'd found himself a home in the lineup as a steady fourth line centre who tended to get a scoring chance or so every game.
Ten is the magic number, though. Should Grant have played his 10th game, he would have been subject to waivers. And as he'd been in the midst of establishing himself as perhaps a good fourth line option, maybe a team would have claimed him.
Furthermore, as the Flames get healthier, they may need a roster spot ready for a player coming off the injured reserve.