The Detroit Red Wings recalled Erik Gustafsson from the Grand Rapids Griffins as a precaution because they have multiple defensemen dealing with minor injuries.
The Red Wings excused defenseman Ben Chiarot from practice. It’s like he was given a maintenance day or a healing day.
Coach Todd McLellan said he expected, or at hoped, he would have the same defensemen Friday against the San Jose Sharks that he’s been using during Detroit’s recent run of success.
The Red Wings are undoubtedly happy they can recall Gustafsson because by all accounts he has maintained a positive attitude even though he was sent to the American Hockey League at age 33.
“Trying to be myself, the positive guy I am and try to do the best I can out there and help the team down there, the young guys too,” Gustafsson said. “It’s not going to help anyone, myself included if I’m just a grumpy old guy down there. So try and stay positive. That’s
something I can do.”
At that level, Gustafsson has been an elite performer for Grand Rapids, putting up 20 points (two goals and 18 assists) in 23. He’s tied for seventh in AHL plus-minus at plus-18.
The Grind
This hasn’t been easy on Gustafsson. His family has stayed in the Detroit area, which allowed them to stay in the same schools. The 33-year-old Swede goes back and forth between his home in the Detroit area and temporary quarters in Grand Rapids.
“I mean every time if I’m not playing games, I drive back, pick up the kids at school, do the school pickup,” Gustafsson said. “So that’s the only positive thing. I can always go home and be with the kids and stuff like that. It’s been a little grind but you get used to a two-hour drive so listen to a lot of podcasts and stuff like that. It’s a big advantage. Not every team has their minor league team so close. It could be worse. It could be a four-hour flight. So yeah, it’s good to be go home and be with the family. The I-96 drive can be kind of tough, sometimes boring.”
The Red Wings also have eight-year NHL veteran Justin Holl 33, playing for the Griffins.