Early yesterday morning, the Detroit Red Wings announced that they had cut eleven players from preseason action.
UPDATE: #RedWings trim roster by 11. Nine Players Sent to Griffins and Two Returned to Juniors: https://t.co/ChFu7v4Euq pic.twitter.com/rlh8msLpAd
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 1, 2016
Red Wings Preseason: First Round of Cuts
The Cuts
Centerman Dominic Turgeon and goalie Jake Paterson were assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins. Turgeon, a third round draft pick in 2014, captained the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL last season to a second round playoff exit and led the team in scoring with 69 points in 71 games. Traditionally used in a defensive role, Turgeon has proved that he has a huge offensive upside by putting up more and more points in every season that he plays. He’ll start the season in Grand Rapids. Paterson, a third round draft pick in 2012, spent most of last season with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. In his two games with the Griffins, he posted a .928 save percentage and 3.11 goals against average. Paterson will back-up Jared Coreau in Grand Rapids this season.
Givani Smith and Filip Hronek, both second round draft picks from this summer’s draft, have been assigned to their respective OHL teams. Smith played in two preseason games with the Red Wings. He logged one fight and two shots, playing around ten minutes in each game. While no one expected Smith to make the squad this year, it’s good experience for him to play in an NHL atmosphere. At only eighteen years old, Smith has a lot of time to develop before he becomes a regular on the roster. Hronek played in one preseason game last week. His smooth skating and solid puck-moving skills make him an attractive asset on the blueline. Jeff Blashill, impressed with his play, felt that he showed a lot of offensive poise.
Cleary Remains With Griffins
The remaining seven players released from their tryout contracts will join the Griffins for training camp. One of these players is Red Wings veteran Dan Cleary who won the Cup with the team in 2008. Cleary was kept around the team for the last couple of seasons because of his leadership in the dressing room. He’s a good mentor for the young guys in Grand Rapids.
Coming Up
Red Wings pre-season action continues today with a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at 6:00 PM EST. You can catch the game live on NHL Network.
