The Left Wing Lock

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Mitch Callahan wants to be known for how he plays the game and not the grisly photo he posted of himself on Twitter shortly after taking a Ryan Sproul slapshot to the mouth last spring. The 6-foot, 195 pound winger broke his jaw and lost multiple teeth, but wanted to post the photo to show friends and family he was alright despite the horrific injury.

“My mom– she was crying and I wanted to give her a visual and show her I was ok and not to worry about it,” Callahan said. “I had no idea it would blow up like that. My only regret is that I am now more known for that instead of how I play the game. Looking back on it, I wouldn’t have disclosed how bad it was.”

Since the injury, Callahan has had his jaw wired shut and had multiple oral surgeries including one last week to place three posts  in his lower jaw. The 23 year-old will need to wait four months for his jaw to heal before he can have a more permanent dental solution than his current set of dentures. Despite all the pain and discomfort, the worst part for Callahan was missing part of the AHL season.

“The pain and everything that didn’t bother me at all,” he said. “Even when I went to the dentist and left with more pain than when I started. The worst part was that I was sidelined for about six weeks which is the ultimate punishment for getting injured.”

Callahan may have been suffering both mentally and physically, but there may be no one who felt worse than teammate and roommate, Ryan Sproul.

“He felt really bad because he broke his jaw the year before so he knew what it was like,” Callahan said. “I was hospitalized for a night and when I came back to our house there was soup, protein shakes, syringes and a whole bunch of liquid food. I think he spent quite a bit of money to help me out and get me through the pain.”

Despite the now infamous injury, the California native had an outstanding season for Grand Rapids notching 26 goals and 44 points in 70 games working his way up to a top line forward. Callahan was rewarded for his play with a late season recall to Detroit which saw him play 9:01 for the Red Wings in his first NHL game.

“It’s every kids dream to play in the NHL,” he said. “My parents have the game on Tivo, but I haven’t watched it. I am hoping it was the first of many NHL games for me.”

Callahan is one of several forwards who would need to clear waivers to return to Grand Rapids this season. He’s hoping to get a long look during the exhibition season and steal a roster spot from a veteran.

“It’s tough to show my full game in camp,” he said. The physical side is what separates me from most guys here, but I am saving that for the preseason. My style of play isn’t flashy and I am not going to make super nice moves, but I am a guy who is going to be physical and win puck battles and play strong in the corners. I think I could bring something to the team.”

With limited roster slots available in Detroit, the deck is stacked against Callahan. He also faces stiff competition from Tomas Jurco, who played in 36 NHL games last season among others.

“No one wants to be sent down, so initially I would be disappointed if it happened,” Callahan said. “But then again you have to have a positive attitude and I love the city of Grand Rapids and Jeff Blashill is a great coach and can teach me a lot. It would be a kick in the butt if I go down, but at the same time I have to make the most of it and try to work my way back up.”