WINGS TRADE SPROUL, ASSIGN PUEMPEL TO GRIFFINS

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings on Saturday traded defenseman Ryan Sproul to the New York Rangers in exchange for left wing Matt Puempel, who was then assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Puempel, 24, has logged three points (1-2—3) in five games with the Hartford Wolf Pack this season.

A first-round draft selection, 24th overall, in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators, Puempel spent the entire 2016-17 campaign in the NHL, appearing in 13 games with Ottawa before tallying nine points (6-3—9) in 27 games with the Rangers.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound forward has appeared in 79 career NHL games since debuting with Ottawa during the 2014-15 season and has totaled 15 points (10-5—15) and 28 penalty minutes. Puempel has skated in 175 AHL contests since 2011-12 between the Binghamton Senators and Hartford, compiling 114 points (61-53—114) and 142 PIM.

Prior to turning pro, the Windsor, Ontario, native played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League and amassed 213 points (119-94—213) in 195 games between Peterborough (2009-12) and Kitchener (2012-13). He was named OHL Rookie of the Year and to the Canadian Major Junior All-Rookie Team in 2010 after leading all first-year OHL skaters with 64 points (33-31—64) in 59 games.

The Griffins return to Van Andel Arena tonight at 7 p.m. when they host the Hershey Bears for the first time since the 2005-06 season.

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.