DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings, as expected, waived forward Mattias Ritola on Monday. He has until noon Tuesday to clear. If he is not claimed, he will be assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Ritola, who played the past three seasons in Grand Rapids, did not show enough in training camp and the preseason to beat out a veteran for a roster spot. He had no goals, one assist and a minus-2 rating in five exhibition games.

“I think he had some games where he played pretty well,’’ Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. “There’s areas of his game we want him to get more into, the scoring areas. He’s doing a better job, but not where we want him to be.’’

The club hopes Ritola, 23, clears and spends another season developing with the Griffins.

But given his contract (three years at $517,000 per season, two-way in 2010-11), a team strapped for depth might take a chance and claim him. Ritola was Detroit’s fourth-round pick in 2005 (103rd overall).

The Red Wings must trim one more forward. Veteran Kirk Maltby appears most likely to be placed on waivers Tuesday and assigned to the Griffins if he clears.

Defenseman Doug Janik and goaltender Joey MacDonald were waived Monday and will report to Grand Rapids if they clear. Defenseman Derek Meech likely will be waived Tuesday.

The 23-man roster must be set by 3 p.m. Wednesday.

No significant injuries

Holland said he had no updates on forwards Todd Bertuzzi (back), Patrick Eaves (ankle), Kris Draper (groin) and Justin Abdelkader.

“We’ll come to the rink (Tuesday) and see where we’re at,’’ Holland said. “None of these injuries appear to be of the significant variety.’’