Flames rookie close to returning

There was a crystal clear sign that Calgary Flames rookie centre Dillon Dube may be close to returning to the lineup.

On Monday, it was announced that Dube, Mark Jankowski and fellow rookie Juuso Valimaki were going to be the team’s representatives at the “Reading, Give It A Shot!” program, promoting literacy at St. Patrick School on Nov. 13.

The second sign that Dube may be closer to returning to the lineup?

Right winger Anthony Peluso was sent back to the Stockton Heat on Monday after being called up last Wednesday in the wake of Dube’s injury. The 29-year-old played in Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks but was a healthy scratch on Saturday and Sunday at Los Angeles and San Jose.

The Flames had Monday off and were set to hit the ice on Tuesday for practice before hosting the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets in a four-game homestand.