SAN JOSE, Calif. — The next step on the comeback trail for Detroit Red Wings defenseman Andreas Lilja is a big one: a real game, with high intensity and contact.

The Red Wings have assigned Lilja to AHL affiliate Grand Rapids for an LTI (long-term injury) conditioning stint. He will play his first game in more than 11 months Wednesday, when the Griffins visit the Rockford IceHogs.

The stint is for three games (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) with an option to appeal the NHL for an additional two games (Feb. 9 and 12), which is likely. He does not count against the salary cap or the 23-man roster limit during the stint.

“He gets a three-game trial run to get a feel for where his game is at, playing in a pro league with physical contact,” Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said.

The Red Wings’ medical staff will evaluate Lilja’s condition at the end of the stint. If he is deemed ready to play, he will be activated. If doctors say he is not ready for NHL action, Lilja can accept their evaluation or appeal and get further medical opinions.

Lilja suffered a concussion on Feb. 28, 2009, on a punch to the chin from Nashville defenseman Shea Weber. He has been practicing with the Red Wings for several months and has been headache-free for the past three weeks.

“He’s excited because he feels good every day,” Holland said. “He told me he wants to get the wheels in motion and do whatever it takes to get back to playing.

“We got to see where his health is at and where his game is at. If we get good reports and good news on Lilja, we’ll have to make some (roster) decisions.”

Holland said the Red Wings would need to clear two roster spots and about $2 million from their cap with the return of Johan Franzen, who is scheduled to be back Feb. 9 in St. Louis, and Lilja.