DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ryan Sproul and forward David Booth cleared waivers today.
Sproul was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins. Booth will be in the lineup, skating on the fourth line, when the Red Wings open the season against the Minnesota Wild Thursday at Little Caesars Arena (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).
Sproul appeared in 27 games for Detroit last season (one goal, six assists, minus-7). He couldn't secure a regular spot in the lineup due to a lack of assertiveness, according to coach Jeff Blashill, and defensive issues. The team liked his size (6-4, 205), big right-handed shot and offensive potential.