Regehr, 19, played five games for St. John of the American Hockey League during a two-week conditioning program. He made his NHL debut Thursday night during the Flames' 4-3 overtime road victory over the Ottawa Senators. Regehr had no points and was a minus-two in the game.

The 6-2, 225-pound defenseman suffered the injuries when his car was hit head-on by another in Saskatchewan this summer. Two passengers in the other car were killed.

Regehr was supposed to be off skates for up to six months but was able to practice with the Flames in training camp and play in the AHL.

Born in Brazil, Regehr was drafted by Colorado and acquired at last season's trade deadline as part of the deal for Flames all-time leading scorer Theo Fleury.

Regehr totaled 20 goals, 49 assists and 346 penalty minutes in 183 games for Kamloops of the Western Hockey League from 1996 to last season.