Notebook: Juolevi excited to join Red Wings; Vrána nearing season debut

Olli Juolevi is confident he can be a dependable NHL defenseman. And by the looks of it, the Detroit Red Wings are giving the 23-year-old an opportunity to realize it.
The Red Wings claimed Juolevi off waivers from the Florida Panthers on Sunday. Speaking to the media for the first time on Monday, Juolevi said he's delighted to join such an iconic franchise.

"It's great. It's a pretty legendary organization here, and of course, a lot of young guys coming up as the team is coming up too," Juolevi said. "It's an exciting opportunity."

If Juolevi plays to his potential, Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill sees his club reaping the benefits.
"If he's a guy who can defend well, move the puck out of our end, move the puck through the neutral zone, then he'll help us," Blashill said. "For whatever reason, it didn't go right in Vancouver, and it hasn't gone right enough in Florida. That doesn't mean it will or won't here. Time will tell."
For Juolevi, another important element of his game he must prove is durability. Injuries have taken a toll on his development, as he's appeared in just 33 career games since the Vancouver Canucks selected him fifth overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. This season, Juolevi skated in 10 games with the Panthers before he was placed on injured reserve last month.

Fortunately, Juolevi said he's healthy and anxious to show what he can do.
"I can play pretty well all around," Juolevi said. "I think my biggest strengths are just moving the puck. I can make plays, break out the puck and get the puck to our forwards and in that way, help the team."

Vrána nears season debut

Jakub Vrána
is getting closer to his highly-anticipated return and for his 2021-22 season debut.
During Monday's practice, the 26-year-old skated on a line with Pius Suter and Robby Fabbri. While he's amped up his participation in practice over the past two weeks, Blashill said Vrána's availability is still to be determined.
"I really don't know who is going to play tomorrow and who is not, and what our lines are going to look like," Blashill said. "We looked at some different stuff today. I'm not sure that's how we're going to go at all."

Vrána has not suited up since suffering a shoulder injury during training camp. After being acquired at the trade deadline last season, he scored eight goals and added three assists in just 11 games.

Red Wings recall Veleno, place Rowney on injured reserve

The Red Wings made a handful of roster moves in preparation for their matchup on Tuesday against the Arizona Coyotes.
On Monday, Detroit recalled center Joe Veleno from the Grand Rapids Griffins and placed center Carter Rowney on the injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury.
Veleno tallied a helper in Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Panthers. He has spent time with both the Red Wings and Griffins this season, tallying 10 points in 40 games with Detroit and recording 10 points in 11 games with Grand Rapids.
Rowney has collected six points in 26 games this season. He left Friday's game at Tampa Bay with an injury in the second period.

Red Wings set to host Women's History Night on Tuesday

The Red Wings will proudly host Hockey is For Everyone: Women's History Night on
Tuesday against the Coyotes at Little Caesars Arena
.
In addition to honoring
March's Game Changers
, limited-edition
Women's History Month T-shirts
will be available for sale, a portion of the proceeds from the game's 50/50 Raffle will benefit the 12U Kensington Valley Ravens Blue girls' hockey team and a Women's History Exhibit will be available for fans on the Via concourse.
The Women's History Exhibit will celebrate some of the most influential women in Red Wings history, including Marguerite Norris, Marian Ilitch, Colleen Howe and Manon Rhéaume.
The exhibit where these pioneers' achievements and impact are commemorated will be displayed outside the MotorCity Casino Club near PORTAL 8.