Wings-Griffins lock up Russo for two more years
The Grand Rapids Griffins announced in a press release Wednesday (Sept. 6, 2017) that its NHL affiliate, the Detroit Red Wings have resigned Robbie Russo to a two-year contract.
Russo, a 24-year-old defenseman hailing from Westmont, IL played a big role on the Griffins’ run to the Calder Cup last season, collecting 32 points (7g, 25a) and 37 PIM with a +15 rating through 58 regular season games and then adding another seven assists, 22 PIM and a -2 rating through the team’s 19-game playoff run.
Russo also played 19 games with the Red Wings last season, finishing with a minor penalty on a +2 rating which is pretty good on a team that was struggling to win games.
Russo played four seasons at Notre Dame University, finishing his 142-game run in 2015 with 94 points (28g, 66a) and 82 PIM with a +18 rating.
Prior to that, Russo played in the USHL as a member of the US National Development Team Program, also playing a dozen international matches on Team USA U-17 and U-18 teams.
Originally selected in the fourth round (95th overall) at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders, signing with the Wings as a free agent after graduating from Notre Dame.
According to Capfriendly.com, Russo signed for $650,000 but is currently on the Griffins’ roster so it does not count against the Wings’ salary cap.
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jimmerdenhollander@gmail.com
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada and moved to the state of Wisconsin in my late 30's. I worked at various newspapers and magazines in various sports positions for 25 years before changing careers five years ago. Now I am streamlining my focus on hockey only and in particular, all levels of hockey in the American Midwest.