Kyle Criscuolo assigned to Grand Rapids after picking up assist in Winnipeg

Only a day after assisting on Michael Rasmussen’s game-winning goal against the Winnipeg Jets, forward Kyle Criscuolo has been assigned by the Detroit Red Wings back to the American Hockey League. Criscuolo, 29, has two points (both assists) in four games with the Red Wings this season. The right-handed center also has 12 goals and 32 points in 49 appearances with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, with whom he has played the last two seasons. Criscuolo is in the first season of the two-year contract extension he signed with the Red Wings back in July of 2021. The two-way deal carries a $750,000 cap hit in the NHL and currently pays Criscuolo a $170,000 salary in the AHL (that figure will jump to $190,000 in 2022–23). The Red Wings defeated the Jets by a 3–1 score in Winnipeg on Wednesday, with Sam Gagner scoring twice to seal the victory. Tyler Bertuzzi was not eligible to play in that contest due to his unvaccinated status, resulting in the team recalling Criscuolo. Detroit will play its next nine games in t