Duffer’s Dabbles: Red Wings Place Criscuolo On Waivers

Unless something surprising happens prior to noon today, Detroit Red Wings farmhand forward Kyle Criscuolo will be heading to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The Red Wings placed Criscuolo on NHL waivers Monday in order to assign him to the AHL Griffins, their top farm club. He will be officially clearing waivers at noon today.

Criscuolo has been out since training camp with an undisclosed injury. The Wings ended up placing him on the non-NHL injury list.

The 29-year-old center is in his seventh pro season. His resume is including nine NHL games with the Buffalo Sabres in 2017-18. Kyle Criscuolo signed as a free agent with Detroit last season. He finished with 11-8-19 totals in 29 games.

Criscuolo began his pro career with the Griffins from 2015-17, scoring 17 goals during the 2016-17 AHL campaign.

Defenseman Seth Barton, remains on the non-NHL injury list. He’s been there since also suffering an undisclosed injury during training camp.

Grand Rapids is 1-1-1 on the season. The Griffins suffered a 1-0 shutout loss and a 3-2 shootout setback on the weekend in Winnipeg against the Manitoba Moose. It was the first time in 35 games that a Grand Rapids contest didn’t end in regulation.

The Griffins begin a three-game homestand on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET against the Chicago Wolves.

UPDATE: Criscuolo cleared NHL waivers and was assigned to Grand Rapids. The Griffins released center Josh Dickinson from his pro tryout.

Rumor Of The Day

If the slide of the Chicago Blackhawks continue, might they consider moving franchise cornerstones Patrick Kane and captain Jonathan Toews? According to Hall of Fame writer Larry Brooks of the New York Post, he’s suggesting it’s something the team might look at if things keep going south for the Hawks.

Around The League

Pittsburgh: It’s official – defenseman Kris Letang has a positive test for COVID-19 and is in the NHL’s COVID protocols. On a more positive note, captain Sidney Crosby (wrist surgery) is taking part in five-on-five drills.

Detroit: The benching of defenseman Filip Hronek, the team’s leading scorer last season, is causing ripples of confusion among the Red Wings faithful, but coach Jeff Blashill sees no need to explain the reasoning behind the move.

Toronto: Former Leafs netminder Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes handed his old team a 4-1 setback on Monday. It was Toronto’s fourth straight loss. Well, at least the Leafs didn’t lose to David Ayres, their backup Zamboni driver, like the last time they played the Canes.

Boston: Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron doesn’t like candy corn. Who does?

Vegas: The Golden Knights are on a four-game losing streak and have placed forward Max Pacioretty on LTIR.

Detroit: Where will Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider rate among the all-time dynamic rookie duos in Red Wings history?