Red Wings place struggling forward Andersson on waivers
The Detroit Wings placed forward Joakim Andersson on waivers Friday prior to the team's road game against the Atlantic Division-rival Buffalo Sabres.
If unclaimed on Saturday, the 26-year-old Andersson will be shuffled to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. General manager Ken Holland told reporters that the move was made with the salary cap in mind, as the team is only carrying six healthy defensemen with Niklas Kronwall expected to be sidelined two-to-four weeks following arthroscopic knee surgery.
With Kronwall on IR, Blashill said #RedWings need the flexibility of sending Andersson down (if he clears) to call up a D-man if necessary.
— The Wheel Deal (@Bill_Roose) January 22, 2016
Via Detroit Free Press:
"It's a preemptive move for cap flexibility. And we have good depth in Grand Rapids."
Signed to a one-year deal worth $815,000 in the summer, Andersson collected just one goal and two assists in 25 games this season for the Red Wings (23-15-8). The fourth-liner has scored 15 goals and set up 21 others in 201 career contests - all with Detroit.
The Red Wings haven't been shy about placing veterans on waivers this season, as they ultimately shipped defenseman Jakub Kindl to the Griffins as well.
