Veteran forward Daniel Cleary cleared waivers on Thursday.
Cleary signed a one-year, $950,000 contract with the Red Wings in September. His salary can be completely buried in the AHL, eliminating his salary cap hit.
In 17 games with the Red Wings last year, Cleary scored a goal and an assist.
Cleary, 36, was beaten out for a roster spot in Detroit by rookie Dylan Larkin. It is expected that he will now be assigned to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Retirement is also a possibility.