Various sources have Kindl starting tonight for the Wings after being called up from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. So far in Grand Rapids this year, Kindl has only one goal but has dished 11 assists in 19 games.

Brian Rafalski left practice early yesterday with a sore back and will be out of the lineup. Kindl was called up and will be paired with Brett Lebda while Meech/Stuart and Lidstrom/Ericsson will likely be the other two pairings. Kindl will also get time on the top powerplay unit apparently, which could be mean some points in his debut as Edmonton is ranked within the bottom 5 in Penalty Killing. 

Hopefully Kindl will show the skills so often advertised and be able to show that he could vie for a spot in the near future. Kindl's first crack at the top level could lead to more playing time if injuries persist or he shows enough promise. 

Also, the likely forward lines for tonight's contest are as follows (per Ansar Khan of mlive.com):

Leino on the top line? This better be a change for an increase in his performance, not a reward for his lack of.