The Detroit Red Wings have announced that forward Austin Czarnik has been recalled from the team’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, on an emergency basis.
The move comes as Red Wings forward Robby Fabbri looks set to miss time due to an injury. Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde told the media today that Fabbri would miss Detroit’s game against the Boston Bruins, but remained “fairly optimistic” that Fabbri will eventually return this season.
Czarnik, 30, has spent most of this season in AHL Grand Rapids, where he has played well as a leading scorer for the team. He’s a veteran of over 150 NHL games, and while he’s scored just three points in 12 games this season, he can typically be counted on to give some competent depth minutes to a team in a pinch.
Czarnik last appeared in the NHL in December, with his most recent game coming on a December 19th loss to the Washington Capitals. While it’s unclear if Czarnik will directly replace Fabbri’s spot in the Red Wings’ lineup, he will give Lalonde another option to work with as he looks to stay afloat in a highly-competitive Eastern Conference.