On February 19, the Detroit Red Wings announced that forwards Dominik Shine and Sheldon Dries have been reassigned to their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. This move comes following a brief recall earlier in the week, intended to support the team’s practices amid temporary roster challenges.
Earlier that day, both players participated in practice with the Red Wings before being sent back to Grand Rapids. This rotation reflects the team’s efforts to maintain depth while its regular players, including Olympians, are away.
Details on Dominik Shine and Sheldon Dries’ Career Progression
Dominik Shine, age 32, has been with the Detroit organization since signing with Grand Rapids as a free agent out of Northern Michigan University in 2027. He made his NHL debut last season and has established himself as a key player at the AHL level, notably taking on the captaincy for Grand Rapids in the current 2025-26 season. Shine is enjoying a standout year, having scored 21 goals in just 35 games, demonstrating significant offensive production and leadership.
Sheldon Dries, also a Michigan native and alternate captain for Grand Rapids, recently secured a two-year, two-way contract extension to remain with the organization through the 2027-28 season. In his ninth professional year, Dries has accumulated 277 points in 378 AHL contests. This season, he has tallied 33 points (17 goals, 16 assists) in 39 games, providing steady scoring and veteran presence.
Background on Austin Watson’s Role with Detroit and Grand Rapids
Alongside Dries and Shine, veteran forward Austin Watson was briefly recalled to Detroit under emergency conditions on February 17. Watson, aged 34, has extensive NHL experience with 528 games played through previous stints with the Nashville Predators, Ottawa Senators, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite this, he has played sparingly at the NHL level this season, spending most time with Grand Rapids after signing a two-way contract in 2024.
Watson’s contributions have primarily come in the AHL, where he posted 42 points and 112 penalty minutes over 60 games last season, and currently holds 19 points and a team-high 123 penalty minutes in 39 games for the Griffins this year. Known more for his physical play than offensive production in the NHL, his role with Grand Rapids balances scoring with toughness.
Implications for Detroit’s Roster and Future Outlook
These reassignments underline Detroit’s strategic use of its AHL affiliate to manage roster stability during periods when key players are unavailable, such as Olympians’ absences. The temporary recalls and subsequent returns highlight the cautious approach the Red Wings are taking to maintain competitive practice squads without rushing less experienced players into NHL action prematurely.
With Shine and Dries demonstrating strong performances in the AHL, they remain important parts of the organization’s depth chart and could see future opportunities to contribute at the NHL level as circumstances evolve. Similarly, Watson’s veteran presence offers valuable experience during transitional periods. The Red Wings’ handling of these players reflects an ongoing balance between immediate team needs and long-term player development.
UPDATE: The #RedWings have assigned Dominik Shine and Sheldon Dries to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. pic.twitter.com/9Ls9wG1wNh
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 19, 2026
UPDATE: The #RedWings have assigned Austin Watson and Sheldon Dries to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. pic.twitter.com/GPFF7vnMz8
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 17, 2026
UPDATE: The #RedWings have recalled Dominik Shine and Sheldon Dries from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions. pic.twitter.com/bmc5G48G8h
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 19, 2026
UPDATE: The #RedWings have recalled Austin Watson and Sheldon Dries from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions. pic.twitter.com/q4Aklfu57b
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 17, 2026
