The Detroit Red Wings on Sunday waived veteran defensemen Erik Gustafsson and Justin Holl, possibly clearing the way for rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka to make the season-opening roster.
If Gustafsson and/or Holl clears Monday at 2 p.m., one or both could be assigned to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. It’s also worth noting that they could clear and remain on the Red Wings roster.
Sandin-Pellikka, skilled right-shooter who’s particularly proficient running the power play, is one of several rookies who’s impressed in training camp and the preseason, his first in the NHL. He had four assists in seven preseason games.
Forwards Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, who led the team with four goals and seven points in seven exhibition games, and Emmitt Finnie also are competing for roster spots.
Teams must submit their season-opening 23-man roster on Monday.
The Red Wings open the regular season Thursday at home against the Montreal Canadiens (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network).