Wings re-sign Hudler

Visa problems dog Grigorenko

July 5, 2007

By GEORGE SIPPLE

FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

The Red Wings re-signed restricted free-agent forward Jiri Hudler to a two-year contract today and started a six-day prospects camp at Joe Louis Arena with a notable absence.

Hudler, 23, should get more ice time this season after leading rookies on the team last season in goals (15), assists (10) and points (25). Hudler played in 76 games but made the most of limited ice time. He scored 13 of his 25 points in the final 20 games and had two assists in six playoff games.

Missing from the prospects camp was Igor Grigorenko, a 24-year-old right wing. He had visa problems and couldn’t leave Russia. Red Wings spokesman John Hahn said he didn’t know when the visa problem would be resolved and wasn’t sure if Grigorenko would attend any of the sessions, which are closed to the public.

The Wings drafted Grigorenko 62nd overall in the 2001 NHL draft. His development was stalled after he nearly died in an automobile accident in 2003. Grigorenko scored 14 goals and 13 assists in 49 games last season for Tolyatti Lada.

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