On the Wings

Update (11:45 PM): Kevin Allen of USA Today quotes Ken Holland as saying,

“He’s going down for three weeks, and when we get back from the California trip, we are looking to bring him back.”

So, we’re looking at a possible NHL regular season debut for Grigorenko on October 24th versus Vancouver. (via Snapshots) - Matt

Update (1:50 PM): It’s been confirmed: Grigorenko will start the season in Grand Rapids. The team views it as a chance for Grigorenko to get acclimated to North American hockey, not as a permanent demotion, so it’s pretty likely that he’ll be with the team in a month or so.

Also, Matt Ellis has earned the 13th spot, and Aaron Downey has been offered a two-way contract, which he apparently is expected to accept. If he does, he’ll be the 14th forward. Mark Hartigen was also sent down, but has to clear waivers. Kyle Quincey will not go back to Grand Rapids until his hand is healed, because of a clause in the CBA. - Matt

Ansar Khan reports that Igor Grigorenko was one of three players not on the ice today in practice. Chris Chelios and Mark Hartigen were the other players. Given that Igor’s only remaining competition for a spot, Matt Ellis and Aaron Downey, both practiced, the speculation is that he has been sent down to Grand Rapids, though there is no confirmation that I’ve been able to find. The only other explanations is that Grigorenko is injured, but he looked fine at the end of Saturday’s game.

If he was, in fact, sent down, how this will all play out remains to be seen. I suspect Matt Ellis’ spot on the team is pretty safe, but Aaron Downey’s is not. Downey may be this year’s Brad Norton and end up being replaced by this year’s Valtteri Filppula, Igor Grigorenko. Although Igor was not as impressive as Fil was last year, the Wings risk losing him if they keep in the minors for too long. So, his demotion is probably nothing more than a conditioning stint. Hopefully he takes full advantage of it.