Carson Meyer has always considered himself a self-motivated hockey player.

Now, however, he has even more incentive to make an opportunity with the Blue Jackets more than a mere cameo.

The Powell native and former Miami University and Ohio State player is with Columbus on emergency recall from the Cleveland Monsters because of a concussion sustained by Justin Danforth in Thursday’s game against Edmonton. Meyer is slotted to play on the Blue Jackets’ fourth line with Sean Kuraly and Mathieu Olivier on Tuesday night in Montreal against the Canadiens.

It will be Meyer’s 28^th game for Columbus and his first this season with the Jackets. More importantly, it's his first NHL game since becoming a father. He and his wife, Samantha, have a son, Charlie, who was born Jan. 9.

“I've got a family to feed now,” Meyer said after practice Monday. “I've always been super-motivated so maybe a little bit more (now).”

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As any new parent can attest, finding time to sleep has been a challenge, but Meyer said he is getting more rest than Samantha.

“He’s just started this last week to sleep in pretty good chunks,” he said of Charlie, “but the beginning wasn’t easy. She takes the game nights. My wife has been amazing.

“As far as my mindset, it puts everything in perspective. When you have a bad game or a long day at the rink and you come home, it’s impossible to be mad or upset. You forget about hockey once you get home, which for me is great. Good game or bad game, just move on and hold the baby.”

Meyer has had more good games than bad this season for the Cleveland Monsters. He has a career-high 22 goals for the American Hockey League team.

Meyer, 26, said he spent time in the offseason working on his shot and entered the season determined to shoot more. It has paid off.

“I have a lot of trust in the staff in Cleveland,” Meyer said. “I love those coaches. They work with me every day getting the best out of me. And I’ve done a good job of working on the mental side of the game to get the best out of myself. I’m just a lot more confident this year. At this age and as a fourth-year pro, I know what I need to do on a day-to-day basis on the ice and off.”

He played on the top line in Cleveland. His role will be different in Columbus.

“He's obviously a guy that can make plays,” Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent said. “It’s not like we’ve never seen him. We know what kind of player he can be. Lots of energy. Good on the forecheck. A smart player that can create some offense. But his main job will be to support Kuraly and Olivier with that line identity, which is creating momentum and energy.”

Though Meyer is with the Jackets on an emergency recall basis, he could get an extended look. Vincent didn’t have a timetable for Danforth’s return but said it's "not a day-to-day” situation.

Meyer and recent call-up Trey Fix-Wolansky will get their chance to show they deserve to stay with the Blue Jackets. Fix-Wolansky was promoted following the trade of Jack Roslovic to the New York Rangers last week.

“It's good for the organization,” Vincent said. “Let’s see where they're at. We're looking for people that are part of the solution, and they're going to be given a chance. This is a time to do it, after the trades and where we're at (in the season and standings), so it's a good opportunity for them.”

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: New dad Carson Meyer eager to make most of call-up to Blue Jackets