Red Wings Return Berggren, Czarnik to Grand Rapids

The return to health of forwards Christian Fischer and Joe Veleno led to the Detroit Red Wings returning Jonatan Berggren and Austin Czarnik to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.

Detroit coach Derek Lalonde confirmed that Fischer and Veleno, each out of action the past two games, were good to go for Sunday’s home date with the Boston Bruins. That meant something had to give roster-wise. Unfortunately for Berggren, he’s the one player whose departure creates the least headaches for the Red Wings.

UPDATE: The #RedWings today assigned right wing Jonatan Berggren and center Austin Czarnik to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. pic.twitter.com/3stit8Et0v

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 30, 2023

Berggren isn’t required to clear NHL waivers to be assigned to the minor leagues. He’s the only forward who’s played for Detroit this season who still fits into that category.

While that’s certainly not a popular move with the fanbase, DHN colleague Kevin Allen recently offered a well-reasoned out explanation as to why Berggren is finding himself as the odd man out.

He’s certainly delivering the goods at the AHL level, Berggren is sitting second on the Griffins in scoring with 7-11-18 numbers from 19 games. He’s also been a solid contributor with the Red Wings, where Berggren’s account shows 2-3-5 numbers through nine games.

Red Wings Fischer Recovered From Nasty Collision

Fischer suffered a head gash and was left woozy following a head-on-head collision with teammate Jeff Petry during Detroit’s Dec. 23 game at New Jersey. The clash of heads left Fischer with a cut over his eye.

“Doing much better now,” Fischer said. “I’d say after a full day I started to feel better. I skated the last three days, no problems.”

He recalls the painful incident vividly.

Joe Veleno and Christian Fischer will both be back in the lineup tomorrow vs. Boston, per Coach Lalonde.

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 30, 2023

“I remember everything,” Fischer said. “I remember feeling Jeff’s helmet hit my face. It happened quick. I looked over my shoulder to check on my right side and right when I turned my head back, that’s when the collision happened. Didn’t have too much time to react. I saw him, thankfully, at the very last second, so I had a little time to prepare for it.

“It was probably the hardest I’ve gotten knocked in eight years. That was an odd collision. Obviously, when you get hit by an opposing player when you have the puck it’s a different situation. The scary ones are the ones you don’t see coming, especially when it’s your teammate.”