The Detroit Red Wings have something very special happening with their AHL affiliate. The Grand Rapids Griffins are having an historic season with a 29–1-1-1 record through 32 games played. However, some of their top prospects have been dealing with injury. That seems to be changing, as the team announced that defenseman Shai Buium is ready to return to action.
Buium, 22, was drafted by Detroit in the second round (36th overall) in 2022. Last season saw the left shot blue liner take a big step forward in his development. However, a preseason injury has kept him on the shelf until now. Therefore, this return is big news for the Red Wings defensive pipeline.
Shai Buium impressed Detroit during the prospect’s tournament, and throughout training camp. It seemed as though Buium was going to get an extended look throughout the preseason based on his play. Hopefully, Buium can quickly return to form with his return to action.
Grand Rapids makes history, Danielson returns
The Griffins won last night’s game against the Texas stars 3-2, thereby achieving another important milestone. Grand Rapids now has points in 19 consecutive games, thereby tying the current club record. The team hopes to set the new record on Friday and stretch that point streak to 20 games.
Nate Danielson was on the ice for that win, after having been reassigned to the AHL. Danielson had an assist and five shots on net in his return to the club. Danielson was struggling to find offense in his rookie season in the NHL. Thus, the team is hoping he can regain some confidence with another stint in Grand Rapids.
Trade Rumors are picking up for Detroit
The Red Wings had a strong first half of the season, however the road ahead is difficult. Detroit has been unable to gain any separation in an incredibly competitive Atlantic Division. Therefore, the team can’t afford any lengthy dips in performance.
The Red Wings’ defensive corps has been the focus of criticism as the team seems to lack depth. Therefore, it’s natural to see the rumor mill pick up steam as the season moves on. Detroit has been linked to multiple trade rumors involving a top four defenseman. Names like Rasmus Andersson and Just Faulk have been mentioned as possible trade targets.
Detroit is hoping to return to the post season after nine straight season of being left out. The Red Wings will play 14 games in the next 27 days. In that time, teams will begin to assess their status and trade talks will continue to increase. At this point, the Red Wings look like a team that could try and add a player before the trade deadline.
FInally… good to see Buium back on the ice. Been a tough year for him. He’s only going to make GR a better team. Will be interesting to see if Leonard can take a roster spot in GR and put up some points on a consistent basis. Really hope the Wings could dump Rasmussen in a trade. Also need Soderblom to play physical and be that net front presence this team desperately needs. VanReimsdyke has helped with that… but the the Wings need more bodies in front of the other team’s goalies to wreak some havoc and get some tip-ins and greasy goals.
So sorry for the late reply, great to see you Vlady! JVR has definitely reinvigorated the net front, and Detroit absolutely needs more traffic that way. I’ve not been big on Rasmussen, but he’s been better lately, especially with the line reshuffle. I’d love to see them add some more grit, MBN deserves another look in my opinion but one more game burns year one of his ELC. They seem to be very aware of those expirations right now.