Xavier Ouellet was reassigned to AHL Grand Rapids on Friday, Chuck Pleiness of the Macomb Daily reports.
Analysis:
It was expected that the Red Wings' placement of Brian Lashoff on waivers Friday would lock Ouellet into a roster spot the rest of the season; instead, he'll be bound for a trip back to Grand Rapids.
GM Ken Holland suggested that the team simply demoted Ouellet in order to get a look at AHL blueliner AHL Alexey Marchenko over the weekend, so it doesn't appear a permanent stay in the minors is in store. Ouellet could be back with the Red Wings as soon as next week.