Red Wings Recall Jared Coreau From Griffins

The Detroit Red Wings have made an interesting call-up today, recalling goaltender Jared Coreau from the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The move comes as a surprise just about everybody, seeing as neither of Petr Mrazek or Jimmy Howard were speculated to be out for tonight’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Heading into this morning, neither appeared to be showing any public signs of injury or illness, and while their performances have been a little back and forth lately, neither have played to a level of dissatisfaction to leave you assuming that it could be a performance issue.

As it turns out, though, this is simply a case of Petr Mrazek catching Darren Helm’s flu, and that Coreau will be backing up Jimmy Howard. 

While it’s unlikely that the 24-year-old native of Perth, Ontario gets to participate in his first game during this call-up, it wouldn’t be undeserved. Coreau has been lights out for the Griffins this year, ranking second to journeyman Peter Budaj in Save Percentage (0.931), Wins (29), and Shutouts (6). Coreau was almost as good last season as well, leaving many wondering if he’s got NHL potential. Certainly, he has the size, coming in at a massive 6’6, 220 pounds.

Coreau’s recent performances have been a big part of why the Griffins are on a massive 12-game winning streak. Coreau has won in his last six appearances and has shutouts in three of them. Expect him to be hanging out in the best seats in the house as the Red Wings drop the puck at 7:00 PM.