Evgeny Svechnikov may yet be a factor for the Detroit Red Wings.
The former first round pick went unclaimed after being put on waivers, allowing the Wings to either keep him on their roster, assign him to their taxi squad, or send him to the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Svechnikov, 24, was placed on waivers Monday along with numerous other players in the organization, all of whom cleared. Even with rosters expanded from the usual 21 to 23 because of the pandemic, the Wings deemed Svechnikov expendable.
The team was off Tuesday, a last break before opening the pandemic-delayed 2021 season Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes.