Red Wings claim Olli Juolevi, reassign Joe Veleno as Jakub Vrana’s return nears

Detroit Red Wings center Joe Veleno (90) skates the puck away from the goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
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The Detroit Red Wings claimed defenseman Olli Juolevi on waivers Sunday from the Florida Panthers. In addition, the club assigned center Joe Veleno to the Grand Rapids Griffins as Jakub Vrana’s return to the lineup nears.

Vrana, out all season following shoulder surgery, might be back as early as Tuesday at home against the Arizona Coyotes (7:30 p.m., ESPN Plus/Hulu).

Acquiring the left-shooting Juolevi gives Detroit nine defensemen, so this move could be a prelude to a deal before the March 21 trade deadline. Defensemen Nick Leddy and Troy Stecher, who are in the final year of their contracts, are the leading candidates to be moved.

Juolevi (6-2, 182) could be the latest reclamation project for Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman. He was drafted fifth overall by Vancouver in 2016 but played only 23 games for the Canucks, all in 2020-21, before being dealt to Florida.

Juolevi, 23, appeared in 10 games this season for the Panthers (no points). He has missed large chunks of the season due to injuries. He has appeared in only one game (Feb, 24) since returning from his latest injury that idled him for nine games from Jan. 20-Feb. 16.

Juolevi is the final year of his contract ($750,000) and will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after the season.

More: Red Wings must apply lessons learned from tough seven-game stretch

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