Red Wings Promote Luff to Replace Sundqvist Tonight; Marchand Back for Bruins

The Detroit Red Wings recalled Matt Luff, 25, from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins to take Oskar Sundqvist’s place in the lineup tonight against the Boston Bruins.

The game against the Bruins is the Red Wings biggest test they’ve faced this season. Only one of their first six opponents made the playoffs last season. The Bruins are an Atlantic Division rival and a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. Injured Brad Marchand will be in the Bruins’ lineup for the first time this season.

Sundqvist is listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury. He played Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils, but didn’t practice Wednesday.

Right wing Luff is tied for the Griffins team lead with seven points (three goals and four assists) in five games. He is 12th in the American League scoring race.

Marchand returning tonight vs. Detroit https://t.co/z06LQCq53e

— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) October 27, 2022

Luff Played Three Seasons for LA

The Red Wings signed Ontario native Luff this offseason. He played last season for the Nashville Predators and their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee. He scored 14 goals and 31 points in 30 games for the Milwaukee Admirals. Luff managed three goals and six points in 23 games for the Predators

The 6-foot-2, 200 pound forward previously played 64 games over three seasons with the Los Angeles Kings. He totaled 10 goals wearing a Kings’ jersey.

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Luff will become the 194th Griffin to compete in the NHL. He was the logical choice, particularly since Jonatan Berggren has only played one game this season because of injury. Luff is almost as big as Sundqvist, and has been playing impressively well.

Sundqvist was off to a strong start for the Red Wings, providing a spark with his passionate playing style. He is also a net-front presence on the power play. He has five points in six games this season.