On Thursday, Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan discussed the lack of action defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka has seen so far this season.

“He has to play,” McLellan said.

He mused about sending ASP to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.

Friday, that possibility became a reality.

The Red Wings were opting to shuttle their hyphenated defenders. Down to GR went Sandin-Pellikka. Back up to Detroit comes Jacob Bernard-Docker.

An offensive revelation last season as a rookie when he scored seven goals, there’s been little evidence of offense coming from Sandin-Pellikka’s game so far this season. He has one assist in seven games.

Rookies Anton Johansson and William Wallinder have moved ahead of ASP on the depth chart. The 21-year-old Swede has been a healthy scratch for the past four games and six games overall.

Last season, Sandin-Pellikka was averaging 16:13 of time on ice per game. This season, when he has played, that’s been reduced to 12:42.

McLellan admitted that the situation was problematic for a defenseman whose overall game is still evolving.

“I would say that we’re probably not dealing with it very well because he has been sitting, and Axe needs to play now,” McLellan said. “We also have to make decisions based on our lineup, and we like what we’re seeing from some players and how they’re playing together.

“So unfortunately, when you don’t go 11 and 7, there’s a D man that sits out. When we were going 11 and 7 and had nine, two D were sitting out. So it’s been tough.”

Red Wings Signed Bernard-Docker To An Extension Late Last Season

Former Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman displayed his belief in Bernard-Docker late last season. He signed the 24-year-old to a contract extension.

However, an early injury put JBD on the shelf. When he regained his health, Bernard-Docker was placed on waivers. After clearing waivers, he was assigned to the AHL Griffins.

He was pointless and plus-one in three games for GR.

One factor in Bernard-Docker’s favor is that he can play on either the left or right side of a defensive pairing. That’s handy when the team is going 11 and 7.

“Bernard Docker last year did it for us and did a pretty good job, so he became a utility guy there,” McLellan said. “Albert [Johansson] has done it a little bit for us, too, and is a good utility guy.

“So it’s good to have in your toolbox because it opens up opportunity.”