The Red Wings have recalled Jared Coreau, but Ken Holland stated during his press conference that Coreau wasn’t necessarily guaranteed a spot as Jimmy Howard’s back-up. According to Holland, the Wings will evaluate Coreau, as Hockeybuzz’s Bob Duff noted…
“It’s a huge opportunity,” Coreau said. “I still have to earn things, nothing’s given like we always say. But it’s exciting times.”
Coreau is riding a hot streak. He stopped all 66 shots he faced in the Griffins’ back-to-back shutout wins over the Western Conference-leading Manitoba Moose last week. Coreau ranks third in the AHL this season with 20 wins in 36 appearances, alongside a 2.47 goals-against average, .916 save percentage and two shutouts. He won a Calder Cup title last spring, and like Mrazek, the Wings must make a decision on whether Coreau has a future with the organization.
“It’s a chance now to evaluate him at the NHL level,” Holland said. “He’s an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. I think he’s coming up at a time in his season, in his career, when he’s as ready as he can be.”
And Coreau spoke with the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan regarding his recall:
Coreau is 13-2-3 with a 1.92 goals-against average and .933 save percentage since Dec. 22 with the Griffins, and was just named American League player of the week.
Holland left open the chance of acquiring a veteran backup for Howard, but Coreau, 26, will certainly get a chance to show he’s ready for the NHL.
“Jared has played real well in Grand Rapids,” Holland said. “It’s a great opportunity for Jared. He’s played real well at the American League level, helped GR win a Calder Cup championship (in 2017).”
Coreau was 5-4-3 with the Red Wings last season when Howard was hurt, with a 3.46 GAA and .887 save percentage.
Coreau found out about Mrazek being traded late Monday and hurried to pack.
“The whole night’s kind of been a blur,” Coreau said. “I got a little bit of sleep and woke up this morning and came over. I called my parents right away — think I woke them up. This is a huge opportunity. I still have to earn things; nothing is given. But it’s exciting.”
