AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Red Wings Recall Downey and Ericsson, Return Helm and Leino to Grand Rapids

Published on March 2, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Detroit Red Wings on Monday recalled right wing Aaron Downey and defenseman Jonathan Ericsson from the Grand Rapids Griffins and assigned forwards Darren Helm and Ville Leino to the American Hockey League club.

Downey makes his second trip to Detroit in just over a month, having gone scoreless in his season debut on Jan. 29 when he became the 100th Griffins alumnus to play in the NHL. In 59 games with Grand Rapids, the 2008 Stanley Cup champion shows nine points (2-7-9) and a team-high 103 penalty minutes.

Ericsson received his first summons of the season from the Red Wings, having returned to the Griffins' lineup last Friday after missing 11 straight games and 14 of the previous 16 contests due to injury. The 2008 AHL All-Star, who scored one goal in his eight-game debut with Detroit last season, has 15 points (2-13-15) and ranks second on the Griffins with a plus-12 rating in 40 games this season.

Helm and Leino have missed the Griffins' last 14 games and 16 games, respectively, while on recall to Detroit. Each has averaged more than 0.8 points per game for Grand Rapids this season, with Helm contributing 31 points (11-20-31) in 37 contests and Leino totaling 37 points (11-26-37) in 44 outings.

Helm has appeared in a total of 16 games with the parent club this season, chipping in one assist while averaging 12:25 in ice time. Leino, meanwhile, made the most of his impressive NHL debut, scoring five goals and nine points and averaging 12:42 in playing time during his 13 games with the Wings. His 29.4 shooting percentage stands first among all Detroit players this season.

Downey and Ericsson will be available to play for the Red Wings on Tuesday when they visit St. Louis at 8:30 p.m. EST, while Helm and Leino will return to the Griffins' lineup on Wednesday when they host Rockford at 7 p.m.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 2, 2009


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