DETROIT - Jacob de la Rose was unsure of his NHL future when the Montreal Canadiens waived him last week. He was happy to get calls from Ken Holland informing him the Detroit Red Wings claimed him and from Niklas Kronwall welcoming him to the team.
De la Rose grew up in Sweden following the Red Wings because of their large contingent of Swedish players. More importantly, it's an opportunity to resurrect his career.
De la Rose will make his season debut Friday against the Winnipeg Jets at Little Caesars Arena (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit). He will center the fourth line, with Justin Abdelkader and Martin Frk.