Red Wings recall four from Grand Rapids as injuries mount

The Red Wings have announced that forwards Ryan Kuffner and Evgeny Svechnikov, along with defensemen Alex Biega and Oliwer Kaski have been recalled from Grand Rapids. Forwards Andreas Athanasiou (retroactive to September 20) and Frans Nielsen, as well as defensemen Trevor Daley and Jonathan Ericsson have been placed on injured reserve.

Seeing Athanasiou and Nielsen go on IR due to injury right after your second game of the season is obviously not ideal, but with Grand Rapids being as deep as it is this season, the next men up have a good opportunity to make a lasting impression.

Evgeny Svechnikov registered 1 goal and 2 assists in Grand Rapids’ season-opening 8-5 win over the Chicago Wolves and Ryan Kuffner scored a goal. Oliwer Kaski also scored a goal and manned the second power play unit for Grand Rapids. He’s someone that you don’t bring up to scratch so expect him to play against Anaheim instead of Madison Bowey.

Biega was acquired via trade Sunday night from the Vancouver Canucks, in exchange for prospect David Pope. He’ll likely serve as one of the extra defensemen until Daley or Ericsson returns from injury.