ROSTER UPDATE: Red Wings recall defenseman Joe Hicketts

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The Detroit Red Wings have made a roster move today, recalling defenseman Joe Hicketts from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins after Trevor Daley suffered an injury on Saturday night against the Carolina Hurricanes.

He’ll make his NHL debut on Monday when the Red Wings visit the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center and will wear jersey #2. Former Detroit defensemen to wear the number include Slava Fetisov, Ulf Samuelsson, and most recently Brendan Smith.

Though not physically imposing by NHL standards at just 5’8 and 180 lbs, Hicketts impressed Red Wings teammates and management with his play in training camp. Head coach Jeff Blashill spoke of Hicketts’ “swagger”, and is looking forward to seeing it on display.

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“Joe has a couple of things I love. He has swagger and he has a great brain for the game,” Blashill said on Sunday. “We could use some of that swagger, and we need a little more offense from our back end.”

“He hasn’t had an unreal year production-wise, but you look historically, his point production as a rookie (in Grand Rapids last season) and his last year in junior hockey (61 points in 59 games) were great,” Blashill continued. “He had a great training camp for us (in September) and we’ll give him a look. I don’t know if it’ll be a long look or a short look He’ll have something to say about that.”

So far in 43 games played with the Griffins this year, he’s scored two goals to go with six assists.

Daley is listed as questionable to return before the All-Star Break that begins this Friday.

INJURY UPDATE

Out since December 21 with a wrist injury, the Red Wings hope to have forward Luke Glendening back in the lineup when they host the Flyers at Little Caesars Arena this Tuesday. Meanwhile, Justin Abdelkader (lower body) could return from injury on Thursday, though Darren Helm (lower body) isn’t expected to return until after the All-Star break.