The Detroit Red Wings have waived depth center Joakim Andersson, according to multiple sources Friday.
Andersson is a checking line pivot with the ability to eat up time on the penalty kill. He’s played limited minutes when he’s been in the lineup this season, averaging a career-low of 9:22 per game. Recently, he’s been scratched with consistency, sitting out six of the last 10 games.
However, the reason for his demotion, should he clear waivers, is most likely to clear the cap and roster space to get a defenseman up to the NHL squad from the Grand Rapids Griffins. Both Niklas Kronwall and Drew Miller are sidelined and the Red Wings are currently carrying just six defensemen, leaving them handcuffed.
The 26-year-old Andersson has played 25 games this season, scoring a goal and two assists. He signed a one-year, one-way contract worth $815,000 during the offseason. Andersson hasn’t logged AHL minutes since the 2012-13 season.
UPDATE:
Andersson has cleared waivers and is expected to be assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins.
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Dustin Nelson is the News Editor for The Hockey Writers. He’s a contributor to Hockey Prospectus, Hockey Wilderness, and writes a column for Rotowire. He’s also written for Gone Puck Wild, Wild Xtra, InDigest, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Tiny Mix Tapes, Prefix Magazine & other publications. Have a tip? Email him at dlukenelson[at]gmail[dot]com.
