The Red Wings called up forward Zach Aston-Reese from Grand Rapids on Wednesday under emergency conditions, a move made after Andrew Copp broke his cheekbone late in a game against the Capitals the night before
The Detroit Red Wings called up forward Zach Aston-Reese from AHL Grand Rapids Wednesday morning under emergency conditions. The move comes after Detroit forward Andrew Copp broke his cheekbone from a high stick against the Washington Capitals late in Tuesday's 2-1 loss.
Aston-Reese was last called up March 29, though he did not play in a game. He has only appeared in one game this NHL season, a 6-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Dec. 11. He played 6:21 in that game and controlled just 15.4 of the shot attempts made when he was on the ice.
A seven-year pro who has 42 goals, 80 points and 124 penalty minutes in 308 career games, Aston-Reese joins the lineup at a crucial time for the Red Wings. Still chasing a playoff spot after losing a heartbreaker to the Capitals, Detroit desperately needs to stack up wins in its next four games.
It will take deep contributions to get the results Detroit wants these next four games, something Aston-Reese will be a part of if Copp cannot play. Linemate Michael Rasmussen is also still injured, giving the Red Wings just 12 forwards for 12 spots now that Aston-Reese is called up.
The Red Wings start that process Thursday in Pittsburgh — the team Aston-Reese played five seasons with to start his career.