Conklin Waived, Expected to be Assigned to Grand Rapids

As first reported by The Production Line, the Detroit Red Wings have waived goaltender Ty Conklin with the intention of assigning him to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Conklin had been the team’s backup goaltender since the start of the season but lost that role over the last week to Joey MacDonald.

After starting netminder Jimmy Howard suffered a broken finger in Vancouver on February 2nd, Conklin was named the starter for the Red Wings’ next game in Edmonton. He lasted only a period, allowing three goals before MacDonald took over en route to a shootout loss.

MacDonald got the start in Phoenix to finish up the Red Wings’ road trip and played well in a Detroit loss. He then started the entirity of the Red Wings’ now-concluded six-game homestand, going undefeated and helping stretch Detroit’s NHL-record home winning streak to 23 games.

In 8 games played, MacDonald has a 6-1-1 record with a 1.66 GAA and a .934 save percentage. Conklin has made 11 appearances, going 3-5-0 with a 3.40 GAA and .878 save percentage.

The other 29 NHL teams will have until noon on Tuesday to put in a claim on Conklin. If he goes unclaimed, he’ll head to the Griffins.