Something to keep your eye on today: The Manitoba Moose of the AHL released defenseman Andrew Martens, who started the season with the Reign before signing a Pro Tryout contract with the Moose in December.

Martens notched five assists in his first six games, but was held scoreless in his past five amid decreasing playing time. Winnipeg Sun columnist Ken Wiebe, in his midseason grades column, graded Martens a “C-minus” with these comments:

Plenty of offensive upside as a power-play specialist, a big shot that gets through but has some major defensive deficiencies to work on.

Martens still belongs to the Reign, so expect him back as early as tonight for a game in Phoenix, or for a Friday-Saturday double at CBBA against Utah.

7 p.m. update: Martens is back and in the lineup against Phoenix.