Joseph Clears Waivers, Headed to Grand Rapids

Red Wings goaltender Curtis Joseph has cleared waivers and has been assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.

Joseph was placed on waivers earlier this week to make room during practice for Dominik Hasek, who returned from a groin injury Thursday night in a 4-4 tie with the St. Louis Blues. Detroit had been using three goalies during practice this season, but backup Manny Legace’s superb performance last week was attributed to having more practice time with only two goalies on the roster.

The Red Wings have been trying to trade Joseph, who was aquired to fill the gap left by Hasek’s retirement after the 2002 season, since Hasek decided to return to the NHL at the end of the 2003 season. Joseph’s contract includes a no-trade clause, but Joseph has stated he would be willing to waive it if it meant he would be playing regularly again.

Rumored trade partners have included Boston, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Washington, but so far no deal has been reached with any of them.

This will be Joseph’s second stint of the season in Grand Rapids. He played one game with the Griffins in October to gauge his recovery from offseason surgery.