Nyquist Demoted as Red Wings Set 23-Man Roster

The Detroit Red Wings set their initial 23-man roster on Monday, sending forward Gustav Nyquist to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins as part of the effort.

In addition to demoting Nyquist, the team placed forwards Darren Helm and Patrick Eaves on long-term injured reserve. Forward Jordin Tootoo and goaltender Jonas Gustavsson went on short-term injured reserve.

Though he cleared waivers earlier in the day and Detroit general manager Ken Holland had said he would be assigned to Grand Rapids, center Cory Emmerton remained with the Red Wings. He can be demoted any time in the next month or before he plays ten games without needing to clear waivers again.

To take advantage of the salary cap benefits of Helm and Eaves going on LTIR, defenseman Xavier Ouellet was callled up from the Griffins. Goalie Jared Coreau was called up to replace Gustavsson.

Some of these moves are expected to be “paper moves” with additional roster manipulation coming before the Red Wings’ opener on Wednesday night. Specifically, Coreau may switch spots with Petr Mrazek and Ouellet may swap out for someone else.