On the Wings

Update (7:46 PM): It looks like the Leino call-up is on hold, at least for the time being. George Malik has the details. Basically, the Griffins jumped the gun.

Meanwhile, Leino posted three assists today in Grand Rapids’ second home game. Two of those assists helped Justin Abdelkader complete a hattrick. 

Update (2:11 PM): The Griffins’ press release on the recall is here. - Matt

Looks like we may see Ville Leino for the first time in meaningful NHL action tomorrow night in LA. The AHL transaction wire lists the Finn as being recalled by the parent club.

He wouldn’t get the call if they weren’t going to play him, so the question is: where will he get inserted? Don’t expect him to start out on the second line in Johan Franzen’s place, but if he’s in town for a while, he could move up.

He has four goals and two assists in four games at the AHL level and had a solid pre-season. If he can adjust to regular season NHL hockey quickly, Dan Cleary will be under more pressure to produce at his new spot on Henrik Zetterberg’s wing.