Toronto — Shortly after the exhibition season ended, coach Jeff Blashill was asked about forward Joe Veleno, who had been sent back to Grand Rapids after just missing making the opening night roster.
"There’s going to be a time when Joe plays for us this year. I would bet on that," Blashill said.
Blashill wasn't going out on the limb. The only mild surprise was it happened so quickly, as Veleno was recalled Saturday by the Wings.
It wasn't a major shock. With forward Tyler Bertuzzi unavailable for the first two games of this road trip, in Toronto and Montreal, because of his unvaccinated status, and possibly not having Adam Erne, who appeared hurt after blocking two late shots Friday against Florida, the Wings were likely going to be short a forward.