A veteran forward is on the near horizon for the Detroit Red Wings, which could squeeze out a younger one.
Carter Rowney, sidelined since Jan. 4 with a lower-body injury, practiced Monday, and if he's not ready as soon as Wednesday when the Wings host the Colorado Avalanche, the expectation is Rowney will be cleared for the following game, Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ditto for Vladislav Namestnikov, who has missed the last two games.
"We're using today’s skate as little bit of an evaluation, to get a feel for where those guys are at," coach Jeff Blashill said after the Wings' first practice in three days.