With the conclusion of the NHL regular season for the Detroit Red Wings, it appears they are aiming to send a player down in preparation for the American Hockey League postseason.
On Wednesday, the team placed forward Austin Czarnik on waivers. The 31-year-old had played in the Red Wings’ final game of the season on Tuesday night, a shootout victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Despite the win, it held no significance for the Wings as they were eliminated from playoff contention when the Washington Capitals secured the last Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers.
Should Czarnik clear waivers, he will be eligible to rejoin the Red Wings’ primary affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, just in time for the Calder Cup Playoffs. Czarnik, a Detroit native, has moved between the Red Wings and Griffins throughout the season but has been with the NHL team since being recalled on an emergency loan on March 14. In his 34 appearances with the Wings this season, Czarnik has recorded a lone assist, which occurred on Oct. 18 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With 205 career NHL games under his belt, the former Calgary Flames player has amassed 18 goals and 33 assists. Had the Red Wings secured a playoff spot, he might have seen his first Stanley Cup Playoff action.
However, if he returns to the Griffins, Czarnik will have the opportunity to participate in postseason hockey, as Grand Rapids currently holds the second position in the AHL’s Central Division. They are set to face the Rockford IceHogs, the affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, in the division semifinals beginning next weekend. Czarnik has tallied nine goals and 17 assists in 36 games with the Griffins this season, with his last playoff appearance dating back to 2022 when he played for the Bridgeport Islanders.