The Red Wings announced Monday that they have called up forward Gustav Nyquist from their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids. Nyquist will also make his NHL debut Tuesday night when the Wings take on the Minnesota Wild at the Joe as they look to end a four game losing streak.
Considered the top forward prospect in the Wings’ system, Nyquist is a good skater, puck-handler and passer that is able to finish a play. He has the second most goals on the Griffins so far this season with four and has nine points in nine games.
“He had a good training camp, he’s playing real well in the AHL, we need to score some goals,” general manager Ken Holland said. “He’s 23, he’s played three years of college, he’s a little bit older. We’ll see what he can bring.”
Nyquist by some is believed be NHL ready however his call up is a little our of the ordinary for an organization that usually likes to have their talent marinate in the minors. It raises some questions as to just how good Nyquist actually is and if the offensive problems with the Wings these past few games are more serious than initially thought.
Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock says he’s not sure what line he will put Nyquist on but Ansar Khan of Mlive.com believes that the former Hobey Baker finalist will find himself on one of the top two lines.
Fabian Brunnstrom clears waivers
Forward Fabian Brunnstrom cleared waivers Monday and will be reassigned to Grand Rapids where he will surely enjoy more playing time.
Brunnstrom says he is glad that will remain with the Wings’ organization and is looking forward to making his Griffins debut on Wednesday.
“I’m staying in the organization and that’s what I wanted. I’m just going down to play games,” Brunnstrom said today, after an off-ice workout at Joe Louis Arena. “I haven’t played in awhile. I understand the situation. I need to play games. We’ll see how it goes.”
His wife, Sandy, is expecting their first child on Nov. 30, so Brunnstrom is glad to not have to relocate.
“I don’t know what was going to happen if Calgary or Edmonton picked me up,” Brunnstrom said. “I would be pretty hard for our family situation.”
If the Wings do recall Brunnstrom he will not have to go through re-entry waivers since his AHL salary is not more than $105,000.
Ref: Mlive.com,
