Red Wings Assign Czarnik Assigned to Grand Rapids; No Corresponding Call-Up...Yet

Detroit sends Austin Czarnik down to the AHL, but, at least for now, doesn't re-call anyone as a replacement

On Sunday afternoon, the Detroit Red Wings announced that they were assigning forward Austin Czarnik to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins.  

The move leaves Detroit with a vacant roster spot at the NHL level, but, for the time being, the Red Wings appear willing to proceed with 22 (rather than the allowable 23) players.

Czarnik has just one point (an assist) in 11 NHL games so far this season, but head coach Derek Lalonde has praised his versatility and his defensive reliability.  At the AHL level, he has two goals and an assist with the Griffins in just two games this year, so perhaps he can help a Grand Rapids team that has been starved for offense in the early days of its season.  However, an injury sustained in the Red Wings' loss to the Canadiens earlier this month held him out of action during Detroit's trip to Sweden.

Meanwhile, some Red Wings fans hoped that the vacancy the move would correspond to Simon Edvinsson (Detroit's top defensive prospect and the 6th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft) being elevated to the NHL ranks to supplement a struggling defense corps, but, at least for the time being, that is not the case.

Is it Time to Worry About Marco Kasper's Slow Start in Grand Rapids?

Augustine Backstops Spartans to Sweep Over Top-Ranked Wisconsin

Bertuzzi Burns Wings, Third Period Collapse, Compher Line Struggles, Lyon Holds Firm: Red Wings-Maple Leafs Statistical Review

"In the Third, We Come Out and Play a Bit Scared on Our Heels": Red Wings React to a Disappointing Global Series Loss to the Maple Leafs

Red Wings 2, Maple Leafs 3: Swede Nylander Leads Leaf Comeback, Sending Detroit Home Sour

The Silky Mitten State Episode 4

Red Wings 4, Senators 5 (OT): Detroit Mounts Four-Goal Comeback, Only to Fall to Stutzle and the Sens in Overtime

Report: Red Wings A Candidate for Potential Winter Classic at Ohio Stadium in Columbus

Lucas Raymond's Star Turn Proves Value of NHL's Global Series