Detroit — The Red Wing sent one of their brightest prospects, 22-year-old Anthony Mantha, to Grand Rapids on Tuesday and, as expected, placed veteran defenseman Niklas Kronwall on injured reserve to start the season.
The moves clear space for the speedy forward Andreas Athanasiou to remain on the roster for opening night Thursday, a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on the road.
It also leaves slots for two young defensemen, as the Wings continue to search for help on the blue line.
Xavier Ouellet, long overdue for a roster shot after playing solid defense for the Griffins, and Ryan Sproul, whose bounceback season last year under cach Todd Nelson was noted by the Wings’ brass, likely will get time on the ice, as the Wings appear set to skate with eight defensemen.