McILRATH JOINS GRIFFINS

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday assigned defenseman Dylan McIlrath (MAK-ihl-rath) to the Grand Rapids Griffins. He was acquired by the Red Wings earlier today as part of the Thomas Vanek trade.

McIlrath, 24, has skated in 22 AHL games and six NHL contests this season. The 6-foot-5, 236-pound blueliner picked up four penalty minutes in one game with the New York Rangers and 11 PIM in four appearances with the Hartford Wolf pack before being traded to the Florida Panthers in November. In five games with the Panthers, he logged one goal and 10 PIM, while showing four points (1-3—4) and 28 PIM in 18 appearances with the Springfield Thunderbirds.

New York’s first choice, 10th overall, in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, McIlrath has played in 43 career NHL games since 2013-14 between the Rangers and Panthers, totaling five points (3-2—5) and 94 PIM while also appearing in one Stanley Cup playoff game with New York. He logged 34 games with the Rangers last season and tallied four points (2-2—4) and 64 PIM.

Since 2010-11, McIlrath has skated in 204 AHL contests between the Connecticut Whale, Wolf Pack and Thunderbirds, registering 43 points (13-30—43) and 501 PIM. He recorded back-to-back 17-point seasons in 2013-14 and 2014-15 with Hartford. McIlrath has played in 20 career Calder Cup playoff games and chipped in two points and 23 PIM.

A native of Winnipeg, McIlrath played for the Moose Jaw Warriors from 2008-12. In 232 Western Hockey League games, he accumulated 74 points (16-58—74) and 551 PIM.

The Central Division-leading Griffins continue their season-high seven-game road trip on Friday when they visit San Antonio. Puck drop is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.

Single-game tickets are currently on sale. Fans can secure their full-season, select-season or group ticket packages by calling (616) 774-4585 ext. 2 or visit griffinshockey.com for more information.