Veteran goalie Ty Conklin cleared waivers, according to multiple sources, and could practice Tuesday afternoon with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Conklin went unclaimed by any NHL team after he was waived Monday afternoon by the Detroit Red Wings. Detroit opted to keep Joey MacDonald, a former longtime Griffin, as the backup to Jimmy Howard.

Conklin, a nine-year veteran who signed a one-year, $750,000 free-agent contract in the summer, has appeared in 11 games this season for the Red Wings. He has a 3.40 goals against average with a .878 save percentage and a 3-5 record. Conklin's last appearance with the Red Wings came Feb. 4 when he allowed three goals in the first period before he was replaced by MacDonald.

The 35-year-old has played for six teams, including an earlier stint with Detroit in 2008-09.

Conklin could make his first start Wednesday, when the Griffins host Hamilton at Van Andel Arena.

Since MacDonald was recalled in early February, the Griffins have struggled in the nets with Tom McCollumn and Jordan Pearce. Grand Rapids allowed at least four goals in five of its past seven games.

McCollum, 22, has a goal average average of 3.59 and .883 save percentage, and Pearce, 25, has a 3.53 goals against and an .874 save percentage.

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