I emailed Ansar Khan to ask about McCarty’s status since I thought it odd no one in the media was mentioning that yesterday was the end of his two-week conditioning stint. As it turns out, it wasn’t a stint, it was a full-blown assignment. He’s not coming back up unless the Wings specifically call him.
I misinterpreted Bruce MacLeod’s comment about McCarty going down to rehab, and have been laboring under the mistaken impression that Mac’s just on a conditioning loan. I don’t recall any talk about clearing waivers, but whatever. That’s the story. Sorry for getting that wrong.
The Wings have activated Darren McCarty off the IR and sent him to Grand Rapids to join the Griffins for a conditioning stint.
Unfortunately, Griffins fans will have to wait until next Wednesday to see Mac in person, as the team begins a three-games-in-three-nights road trip on Friday in Syracuse. They have just one home game in their next six.
I assume he’ll be in the AHL for the full 14-day limit set on conditioning stints.
Helene St. James has the latest on Homer, Mule, and Mac here. From a lineup standpoint, the most relevent bit of new is on Franzen, who doesn’t think he’ll be ready to play Sunday.
I have a post on today’s roster movement up over at the FanHouse.
One thing I forgot to mention in that post is that Bruce MacLeod lists Ty Conklin as the starter tonight against Montreal. This is in keeping with the goaltender rotation announced yesterday. For the record, I recant my comment about a goaltender controversy in this post. Garth argued me into a corner on that and then the news broke about the rotation.
So reports Ansar Khan. No surprise there.
Update (3:40 PM): Ted Kulfan has some quotes on the move from Ken Holland. Its function is to allow the Wings to quickly clear up the cap space needed in a situation requiring the call-up of Jimmy Howard. - Matt
Update (1:51 PM): I’ve been distracted enough so far this season that it slipped my mind: Mac was waived last month as well. So, yeah, this is just an administrative move and one that is likely to keep happening throughout the season. - Matt
TSN reports that the Wings have put Darren McCarty on waivers.
With two players (Chris Chelios and Dan Cleary) still out with injuries and McCarty playing well over the past few games, it’s unlikely Mac will actually head to Grand Rapids if he goes unclaimed. This is a move to allow for flexibility once Cleary and Chelios do return. If he clears, McCarty can be sent down in the coming weeks without any hassle.
Update (20. Aug 08, 11:40 PM): It’s now official. - Matt
Great news: the Wings have agreed to terms with team morale-booster Aaron Downey, who will sign formally a two-way contract soon. He’ll get $750,000 when he’s in Detroit and $100,000 when in Grand Rapids. Darren McCarty has been offered the same contract.
Downey’s one of my favorites and I’m convinced his constantly positive attitude was a major reason behind the Wings’ run last year. He should quickly become a fan favorite in GR, where he’s likely to end up.
Sorry for the lack of posting this summer. I’ve been busy with work and life in general. I hope to return to regular posting soon.
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