In an expected move, the Detroit Red Wings have summoned forward Jonatan Berggren from AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins:
Steve Yzerman revealed Friday night during an interview with BSD that Berggren would be called up and would play in Vegas. The 23-year-old AHL All-Star has been on a scoring rampage this season, with 46 points (19-27–46) and 129 shots on goal through 43 games. Berggren was in trade rumors ahead of yesterday’s trade deadline, but after the Wings traded Klim Kostin to San Jose, it was clear that either Berggren or Simon Edvinsson would get the call.
Jonatan Berggren has shown flashes of brilliance at the NHL level — with 33 points in his first 76 contests. If my knowledge is correct, he only has four more games of waiver exemption, so one would think this is his spot for the remainder of the season; players like Berggren don’t go through waivers unclaimed.
The Red Wings are currently on an ugly four-game skid, with another big game on the slate tonight in Vegas. Puck drop is just after 10:00 PM ET. It’s not entirely clear where Berggren will slide into the lineup, but my guess would be Holl is scratched. The Wings are in desperate need of a player(s) to step up. This is Jonatan Berggren’s chance to show Steve Yzerman he can be a Red Wing for the foreseeable future.
