Detroit assigned 17 players to the Grand Rapids Griffins Friday, reducing its preseason roster to 28. Four professional-tryout players were released and returned to Grand Rapids; the remaining camp group has 16 forwards, nine defensemen and three goaltenders.
The players assigned were forwards Ondřej Becher, Cameron Butler, Noah Dower Nilsson, Sheldon Dries, Dylan James, Jesse Kiiskinen, John Leonard, Sutter Muzzatti, Théo Rochette, Dominik Shine and Wilmer Skoog; defensemen Ronnie Attard, Jacob Bryson, Shai Buium and William Lagesson; and goaltenders Trey Augustine and Michal Postava. Forward Kienan Draper and defensemen Justice Christensen, Alex Kannok Leipert and Jacob Truscott were released from professional tryouts and returned to the Griffins.
Detroit is 2-0-1 in preseason and hosts Columbus at 7 p.m. Saturday at Little Caesars Arena in its final exhibition game before the regular season. Players assigned to Grand Rapids could be among Detroit’s first options if injuries or roster needs create an opening.
