49 Rhett Gardner LW

Gardner (COVID-19 protocols) was assigned to the Stars' taxi squad Thursday, Matthew DeFranks of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gardner was previously in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol, but the fact he's been assigned to Dallas' taxi squad suggests that's no longer an issue. The 24-year-old forward went scoreless in eight games with the big club last campaign.

Gardner (COVID-19 protocol) was recalled from AHL Texas to the taxi squad Thursday, Matthew DeFranks of The Dallas Morning News reports.

It's unclear if Gardner still resides in the COVID-19 protocol, but the 24-year-old earned a call-up to the tax squad. Gardner earned no points across eight NHL games with the club last season, and could see games should injuries or illness occur. Expect most of his time spent this season between the taxi squad and minors.

The Stars reassigned Gardner to AHL Texas on Sunday.

Gardner has been with the team for much of the season, suting up in just eight games and accumulating no points in that span. The 23-year-old will head back down to the minors where he's racked up three goals and six assists in nine games. His demotion is a positive sign for a few forwards to return from injury soon for the Stars.

Gardner was called up from the minors Thursday.

Gardner may have to jump right into the lineup for Dallas against Vancouver on Thursday if Andrew Cogliano (lower body) is unable to play. The 23-year-old Gardner has racked up three goals and three helpers in nine games for AHL Texas this season. While Gardner's unlikely to stick around the NHL long term this year, a productive campaign out of the center in the minors could open the door for an extended look at training camp heading into the 2020-21 season.

Gardner was reassigned to AHL Texas on Tuesday.

With Dallas off until Thursday, it was a good opportunity to get Gardner some ice time with AHL Texas on Wednesday. While the center is unlikely to suit up versus Anaheim, it wouldn't be a shock to see the club bring him back up as extra forward depth ahead of Thursday's tilt. In seven outings for the Stars, the 23-year-old recorded eight shots, seven hits and one block while averaging 10:12 of ice time.