Xavier Ouellet recalled from Grand Rapids

The Wings made an off-ice move today, calling up defenceman Xavier Ouellet from the Grand Rapids Griffins.

His career stats are as follows: (via hockeydb)

It’s unknown currently what the team’s plans are for him, though it’s possible he slots into the lineup for Thursday night’s game 5, as “insurance” in case of an injury to Alexy Marchenko.

The Wings defence has been not abysmal but unimpressive in the playoffs thus far. Perhaps Ouellet will slot in as the spark they need in what would be his second career NHL playoff game (having suited up once before in 2014), but it’s also possible he’s just kept on the roster as an extra body just in case Marchenko isn’t good to go. 

More to come.