Quick Hits: The Robbie Russo Recall Edition

Around the NHL

NHL GMs to talk bye-week, offside rule during meetings - By: Josh Cooper: Yahoo! Sports

It’s that time of year again where the NHL’s GMs will be heading into their annual meeting to discuss some of the hot issues around the league. This year the scope of these meetings doesn’t seem like it’ll change much of the landscape around the league. Defining what’s offside versus what’s onside might be useful, but how to handle bye weeks and tweaks to the Coach’s Challenge aren’t that groundbreaking.

I’d personally like to see a discussion about implementing a 3-point system or improving the playoff format from where it currently stands, even if they’re not officially on the agenda. But if the best we can do is actually define offside, I’ll take that.

In Red Wings Land

Red Wings recall Robbie Russo from Grand Rapids - By: Brendan Savage: MLive

Brendan Smith was traded, Ryan Sproul injured his knee and all of a sudden Robbie Russo has a chance to shine at the NHL level. The Wings called up the 24 year old right-handed defenseman yesterday and he’ll probably make his NHL debut tomorrow against the Leafs. Sproul’s scheduled for an MRI tomorrow and his condition isn’t known. It’s possible that he’s out for a while.

Russo’s currently pacing all Griffins defensemen this year in goals (7), points (31) and games played (56). It seemed like there was a chance Joe Hicketts, who’s not far behind in each of those categories, could’ve gotten the nod instead but I suppose the Wings went with the more experienced defenseman, or perhaps his handedness had something to do with the decision. At any rate, I’m excited to see what Russo can do with this opportunity.