RED WINGS RECALL JOAKIM ANDERSSON BEFORE SEASON FINALE

One day before the Red Wings’ season finale, they recalled forward Joakim Andersson from the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). 

Andersson, 27, has split his season between the Red Wings and Griffins, failing to produce nearly any offence at either level. He had one goal and two assists in 28 games with the Red Wings before he was sent to Grand Rapids. In his time in the AHL, he had five points (3G / 2A). 

Justin Abdelkader left yesterday’s game early in the third period and did not return, but his injury would open up a spot in the top-6, which would be better suited for Anthony Mantha, who has served as a healthy scratch in the last two games. Red Wings’ GM Ken Holland said that he expects Abdelkader to play tomorrow and Andersson has been called up as insurance. If Abby can’t play, it would make little to no sense for Andersson to take his spot, so this recall suggests that there may be another player, in addition to Abdelkader, that is fighting some bumps and bruises. 

Andersson ranks third among healthy Detroit forwards in shorthanded time on ice per game (1:55) this season. The only logical explanation for this call-up would be the Red Wings want a more defensive minded forward with the ability to kill penalties to take Tomas Jurco’s spot in the lineup on Saturday. And even then, I’m still left questioning this. We likely won’t get any roster updates until a few hours before puck-drop because of the early 12:30 p.m. ET start.