The Detroit Red Wings have assigned goaltender Jimmy Howard to the Grand Rapids Griffins for conditioning, the team announced Tuesday.
Detroit also placed Howard on long-term IR retroactive to Nov. 27 and recalled defenseman Brian Lashoff.
Lashoff, a 10-year pro who has spent time in Detroit over the past few seasons, has six points in 25 games for Grand Rapids this season.
Near the end of November, Howard reportedly suffered a sprained MCL which was expected to keep him out 4-6 weeks.
