The Coachella Valley Firebirds are getting an NHL boost.

NHL veteran forward and Seattle Kraken captain Jordan Eberle is joining the Firebirds on a conditioning assignment, the Kraken announced Wednesday night.

• AHL Power Rankings: Laval Rockets To The Top
  
• Jesse Puljujärvi Signs PTO With Charlotte Checkers After Departing Penguins
• Hershey Bears Head Coach Todd Nelson Isn't Holding Back
• Upcoming AHL Schedule
• Subscribe to FloHockey today to watch every AHL game live and on demand

Eberle, 34, has not appeared in a game since Nov. 14 when he was injured in a fall during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Seattle captain had pelvic surgery 10 days later. Per the terms of the NHL-NHLPA collective bargaining agreement, Eberle’s conditioning loan may not extend more than 14 days, and it was subject to his approval.

Before the injury, he had 6-5-11 in 17 games for Seattle. He last appeared in the AHL during the 2012-13 season when he was with the Edmonton Oilers’ former AHL affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons, during that season’s NHL lockout. In 34 games for the Barons, he produced 25-26-51. That season the Oilers stationed forward Taylor Hall (14-20-34 in 26 games) and defenseman Justin Schultz (18-30-48 in 34 games) with the Barons until the NHL resumed play. Selected 22nd overall by Edmonton in the 2008 NHL Draft, Eberle has played 1,035 games (305-408-713) between the Oilers, New York Islanders, and Seattle. He came to Seattle from the Islanders in the July 2021 NHL expansion draft.

While Seattle has faded from playoff contention and is 11 points out of the NHL Western Conference’s second wild-card spot, the Firebirds are very much in a battle for postseason positioning. After visiting the Henderson Silver Knights on Wednesday night, the Firebirds will be back home Saturday for the first time since Nov. 29 when they welcome the San Diego Gulls to Acrisure Arena. Eberle’s arrival is an additional boost for a Coachella Valley offense that ranks 12th in the AHL with 3.17 goals per game and ninth on the power play (19.4 percent).

Eberle is the second Seattle regular to join the Firebirds recently. Goaltender Philipp Grubauer was sent to Coachella Valley on Jan. 30 after clearing waivers. Grubauer has made two starts for the Firebirds so far and is 2-0-0 | 1.95 | 1.33 after a difficult first half with Seattle.

With the 4 Nations Face-Off beginning Wednesday night in Montreal, the Kraken do not resume play until Feb. 22 at Florida. During the 14-day conditioning assignment, the Firebirds host Bakersfield (Feb. 16), Tucson (Feb. 19), Calgary (Feb. 22), and San Jose (Feb. 23) along with Saturday’s match-up with the Gulls.

How To Watch The AHL On FloHockey 

The AHL is streaming on FloHockey and the FloSports app. Live games, replays, highlights and breaking news also will be available on both platforms.

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.

Watch the AHL, ECHL, USHL, And More On FloHockey

FloHockey is the streaming home to some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.

Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social

• Follow us on Twitter @FloHockey
• Follow us on Instagram @flohockey
• Follow us on TikTok @flohockeytv
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook