YOUNG WINGS RETURN TO ROOST

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings on Monday assigned center Darren Helm and left wing Mattias Ritola to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The 21-year-old forwards both made their NHL debuts last week, becoming the 92nd and 93rd Griffins alumni to play in the NHL. Helm appeared in three games for Detroit and averaged 6:11 in ice time, while Ritola averaged 5:46 over two games and recorded his first NHL point with an assist in the Wings’ 4-3 loss at Columbus on Sunday.

Helm and Ritola rank first and second, respectively, among Griffins rookies in scoring, with Helm showing 24 points (11-13—24) in 59 contests and Ritola compiling 22 points (6-16—22) and a team-high plus-15 rating in 60 games.

Both players are expected to be in the Griffins’ lineup on Wednesday when they host the North Division-leading Toronto Marlies at 7 p.m.