Nolan Baumgartner was jumping on a plane leaving the Manitoba Moose just a few hours prior to the arrival of three men expected to bolster the club's playoff chances.

The NHL giveth with one hand and taketh away with the other.

As Luc Bourdon, Nathan McIver and Rick Rypien were assigned to the Moose on Tuesday morning, news broke that Baumgartner had been recalled by the NHL's Dallas Stars.

Baumgartner's departure, despite the return of the Canucks castaways, is a crippling blow.

The Moose made a major splash in the AHL by acquiring the veteran defenceman at the trade deadline and Baumgartner has exceeded all expectations. The 31-year-old found his game shortly after getting to Winnipeg and the team has responded, going 14-2-0-2 with Baumgartner wearing antlers.

Moose GM Craig Heisinger made the deal for Baumgartner knowing all along that the possibility of a recall to Dallas lay somewhere down the road like a coiled snake, but the news still came as a shock.

"Whenever we've gotten a player on loan, they NHL club has retained recall rights," said Heisinger. "But this came out of the blue."

Baumgartner will join the Stars in Dallas and be available to them when they open their Western Conference series against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. It's unlikely Baumgartner will see much action in the series.

"I'm heading up there as depth but you never know what can happen in a playoff series," said Baumgartner, prior to leaving Winnipeg. "On one hand I'm really excited to be joining Dallas and getting another chance to play in the Stanley Cup playoffs. It's what every guy in that Moose dressing room is playing for. But I'm kind of disappointed to be leaving what we've been able to accomplish here. We've been on a real nice roll and I think we could be dangerous in the playoffs.

"The Moose have fully invested in me and if Dallas gets beat out, I'll be back here and ready to help. For now, I'm going to Dallas to try and do whatever I can to help the Stars. I'll work hard and be ready to play if they need me."

While Baumgartner is gone today, he could indeed be back in the Moose lineup near the opening of the AHL playoffs. Should the Ducks sweep the Stars, Baumgartner could be available by April 18, which may turn out to be opening night for the Moose.

"Nolan gives us poise and leadership. What Mike Keane does for us up front, Nolan does for us on the back end," said Moose coach Scott Arniel. "When things get hot and heavy and we start to trade chances with a team, he can slow things down. When our power play is struggling, he can keep everyone calm. He's a smart, heady player and he leads with his play."

When asked about cheering against the Stars, in order to hurry up Baumgartner's return, Arniel offered a terse "no comment."

Heisinger wasn't so careful.

"That's a tough question," he muttered before following up with a mirthful, "Go Ducks go."

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca

Two-way traffic

to, from NHL

The Manitoba Moose lost veteran defenceman Nolan Baumgartner on Tuesday when he was recalled to the Dallas Stars. At the same time, the club was informed Rick Rypien, Luc Bourdon and Nathan McIver were headed for Winnipeg courtesy of the Vancouver Canucks.

On the way up

Nolan Baumgartner -- Mr. Poise. The veteran has a knack for making the right pass out of his own net area and getting his offence started. Power play quarterback and steady in five-on-five situations. He can't be replaced.

On the way down

Nathan McIver -- Mr. Steady. McIver has figured out that if the first pass isn't there, up and off the boards is just as good. He's tough and dedicated. A great asset.

Rick Rypien -- When he's healthy, Rypien is a handful. Fast, energetic and mean. The Moose open the playoffs against the Syracuse Crunch and they like to stir it up. Rip likes to shut it down and has gavels for fists.

Luc Bourdon -- Talented but still learning. Bourdon could do lots to diminish the loss of Baumgartner if he can keep his game simple. When he tries to do too much, he gets into trouble.

Still waiting

Mason Raymond -- The talented winger has yet to resume skating after a knee injury. He could be available to the Moose by the start of the second round of the post-season. Lots will depend on him. If Raymond wants to come and have an impact, he could push the Moose over the top. If he's more interested in getting on with his summer, the Moose will have a problem on their hands.