The Detroit Red Wings pulled a surprise move Tuesday and placed Jakub Vrana on waivers.
It was known they would have to waive a player in order to activate Robby Fabbri, who will make his season debut Wednesday when the Wings host the New Jersey Devils.
Vrana is currently on a conditioning assignment in the minors. He was reinstated Dec. 16 after two months in the players assistance program.
Being placed on waivers means other NHL teams have 24 hours to claim Vrana. If no team does, he will remain in the Wings organization and with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.