DETROIT — The Red Wings have recalled defenseman Alexey Marchenko from Grand Rapids. This marks Detroit’s last call-up, so there is reason to believe that he’s not coming just to play in one game. Sounds like Marchenko might see some time in the playoffs, if you ask me.
Who does he replace? Time will tell, but my guess is after Brendan Smith put a display on for his absolute air-headedness against Montreal, which lead to a game-tying power play goal, Ol’ Smitty might be taking a nice vacation to Cleary’s Cabana. On the other hand, players like Niklas Kronwall might have earned a night of rest, and Marchenko could likely take that spot. Either way, I think he stays. Not much has been released, so we’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available.
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Marchenko, 23, has split his second season in North America between the Red Wings and Griffins, skating in 12 NHL games for Detroit and 51 AHL games for Grand Rapids. During his time with the Red Wings, he has logged two points (1-1-2), including his first NHL goal on Feb. 28 at Nashville, while averaging 14:55 of ice time. The Moscow, Russia, native has also topped his AHL point totals from his first season in Grand Rapids in 2013-14, registering 20 points (3-17-20) and tying for third on the team and 10th in the league with a plus-22 rating. In 100 AHL games over the past two seasons, Marchenko has picked up 38 points (6-32-38), a plus-33 rating and 40 penalty minutes.
Originally drafted by Detroit in the seventh round (205th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Marchenko spent parts of four seasons in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, recording 11 points (4-7-11) in 82 games with CSKA Moscow from 2009-13. He also appeared in 84 games for CSKA’s junior team from 2009-12, tallying 78 points (18-60-78) in 82 regular-season games and helping the club to a championship in 2011. Marchenko has totaled 29 points (7-22-29) in 36 playoff games on Russia’s junior circuit.
