Defenseman Vili Saarijarvi, one of the Detroit Red Wings' top prospects, was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins on Monday.
The recall from the ECHL's Toledo Walleye was expected in the wake of Saturday's trade of Ryan Sproul to the New York Rangers' organization.
The 5-foot-10, 178-pound Saarijarvi, 20, was the Red Wings' second choice (73rd overall) in the 2015 draft. He played well in camp, but was sent to Toledo on Oct. 10 with the Griffins overstocked on the blue line.
Ryan Sproul dealt to Rangers to alleviate defensive logjam
"We have to have the kids play," Ken Holland says as deal opens room for younger players in Grand Rapids.