We have good news and we have bad news this afternoon to report for the Detroit Red Wings. 

The bad news is that forward Mitchell Stephens is going on Injured Reserve after suffering an Injury on Saturday night at Little Caesars Arena against the Montreal Canadiens. 

However, the good news is that forward Joe Veleno, a 1st round draft selection from 2019, has been called up from the American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins.

“I think Joe had moments of playing real good hockey,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “I think Joe’s a good transporter from one end to the next, so that’s important. I think Joe’s got some physical tools. He can beat you one-on-one, he can shoot the puck, and I think he’s accountable defensively. So, we just need him to be a good player for us, all 200 feet.”

Veleno will be making his second appearance for the Red Wings this season. His previous stint with the team came late in October and early November as a replacement for forward Tyler Bertuzzi, who is ineligible to play in Canadian cities thanks to his having not received the COVID-19 vaccination; Veleno tallied a goal and an assist. 

“He’s too young in his development to say what his ceiling is going to be, but I do think he’s a guy who can come in and play those types of third- and fourth-line role-type minutes because I think he’s accountable defensively,” Blashill said. “He knows how to manage the game, knows how to manage risk and when he’s done that he’s been really good. I certainly wouldn’t put a ceiling on him, but he’s going to get a chance to get back in the lineup, and every time you get back in you got to show that you can help us win hockey games.”

The Red Wings will be taking on the Blue Jackets tonight at Nationwide Arena as they look to build off Saturday night's victory, their fourth in their past five games.