Trickle Down Effect: Brunnstrom Demotion Will Have Roster Implications
Follow
When the Red Wings announced that they had placed Fabian Brunnstrom on waivers Friday it was with the intention of getting the 26 year-old forward a chance to play. The 6-foot-2, 212 pound forward signed a one year two-way contract with Detroit after an impressive training camp tryout.
Since the start of the season, Brunnstrom has played in just one game and is unlikely to see the ice any time soon since all of Detroit’s forwards are healthy. The move was necessary in order to keep the big Swede in game shape in the event that that the Wings might need to recall him for added depth. If Brunnstrom clears by noon on Monday, he could become a big part of the Griffins offense which has yet to find consistency opening the season with 4 wins in 9 games.
All that being said his demotion will likely force the Griffins to demote at least one player to Toledo of the ECHL. Competition for spots and playing time has been fierce since the start of training camp and the Brunnstrom move only adds an additional wrinkle for players already on the bubble including:
- Mitch Callahan – Fiesty forward is coming off a four game suspension for an illegal check. In the five games he has played, the California native has already racked up 27 penalty minutes which may be seen as too costly.
- Louis-Marc Aubry – In seven games with the Griffins, the 6-foot-4, 205 pound forward has been held pointless. While the 19 year-old forward’s game isn’t based solely on offensive numbers, he may need some time in Toledo to find his professional game.
- Andrej Nestasil – The 6-foot-2, 200 pound forward got off to an impressive start potting 2 goals and an assist in 5 games. Nestrasil started the season in Toledo of the ECHL and has made a strong case to extend his stay with the Griffins.
- Trevor Parkes – While Parkes has played all nine games for the Griffins, he’s been limited to just a single assist. The 6-foot-1, 180 pound forward plays a fearless style of game especially along the boards and in front of the net. More offense is expected from him, but he may need time to adjust to the pro game.
- Landon Ferraro – Ferraro had hoped for a better start to the season, but a concussion has kept him sidelined for six games. The 6-foot, 174 pound forward could find himself in Toledo of the ECHL once he is healthy enough to return.