Detroit Red Wings: Griffins Opening Night Roster 1.0
By Chris Giles
Centers
Joe Veleno
Age: 21
2021 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
GP: 4
G: 1
A: 2
PTS: 3
2021-22 Contract: $894,167 (NHL), $70,000 (AHL)
Joe Veleno was the 30th overall selection in the 2018 draft. If he doesn’t make the Red Wings out of training camp, Veleno will be the #1 center in Grand Rapids. Last year, Veleno started the season playing for Malmo (SHL). He scored 20 points in 46 games before moving back to the AHL. Veleno also played five games for Detroit where he scored his first NHL goal. Veleno has a bright future with the Red Wings as soon as this season.
Chase Pearson
Age: 24
2021 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
GP: 28
G: 8
A: 14
PTS: 22
2021-22 Contract: $874,125 (NHL), $70,000 (AHL)
Chase Pearson was a 5th round selection in 2015. Pearson played three years at the University of Maine where he was captain from 2017-2019. In 2019, Pearson won the NCAA (Hockey East) Best Defensive Forward Award. He has played 97 games in the AHL scoring 46 points. With one more season in the AHL, Pearson could become a defensive specialist for Detroit.
Kyle Criscuolo
Age: 29
2021 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
GP: 29
G: 11
A: 8
PTS: 19
2021-22 Contract: $750,000 (NHL), $170,000 (AHL)
Kyle Criscuolo was originally an undrafted free-agent signing by Grand Rapids in 2016. He played four years at Harvard (NCAA) where he was captain during his final two years. During parts of six AHL seasons, Criscuolo has played for four different teams. He has played 250 AHL games and scored 138 points. In 2017-18, Criscuolo played nine games for the Buffalo Sabres. Criscuolo served as an alternate captain with the Griffins last year. He will provide depth at center for Grand Rapids.
Kirill Tyutyayev
Age: 21
2021 Team: Yunost Minsk (Belarus)
GP: 43
G: 11
A: 21
PTS: 32
2021-22 Contract: Standard (AHL)
Kirill Tyutyayev was a 7th round selection of Detroit in 2019. He has been excellent offensively at every level. The diminutive forward can also play left wing. Tyutyayev will be given every opportunity to prove himself playing with the Griffins on a one year contract this year.