Xavier Ouellet News

The Red Wings have recalled Xavier Ouellet from Grand Rapids (AHL).

Ouellet, 21, has been recalled because Jakub Kindl is out with a lower-body injury. Ouellet will be in the lineup on Wednesday. He has been great for the Red Wings this season and has tallied two points (1G / 1A) in nine games with Detroit. He has registered eight points (1G / 7A) in 21 games with Grand Rapids.

Xavier Ouellet
The Red Wings have recalled Xavier Ouellet from Grand Rapids (AHL).

The Red Wings placed Brendan Smith (hand) on the seven-day IR so Ouellet has been recalled to serve as the Red Wings seventh defenseman. Ouellet had a great training camp and nearly made the Red Wings. He has recorded one goal and four assists in 13 games with Grand Rapids this season and could see action in the next week while Smith is sidelined.

Xavier Ouellet
The Red Wings have re-assigned Xavier Ouellet to Grand Rapids (AHL).

It appeared as if Ouellet was going to crack the Red Wings opening day roster when he was paired with Kyle Quincey in practice for the second straight day. Shortly thereafter he was sent back to the Griffins. Head coach Mike Babcock really wanted Ouellet on the roster, but GM Ken Holland didn't want him on the team at the expense of Brian Lashoff and Jakub Kindl, who were both set to be healthy scratches.

Xavier Ouellet