GRAND RAPIDS - Tyler Bertuzzi, who wasn't even counted on to be with the Grand Rapids Griffins this season, has become a highly-anticipated arrival in what has been a goal-starved start to the season.

The Griffins could use a productive forward. They have five goals in a current four-game winless streak that includes a 3-1 loss Wednesday against Tucson.

Bertuzzi, the 22-year-old MVP of last season's Calder Cup championship run, has yet to play this season. He has been sidelined with a tendon inflammation to his wrist that derailed chances of making the Detroit Red Wings in camp.

But he's close. Bertuzzi has practiced with the team beginning Tuesday and could be ready in a just over a week.

"We're shooting at next weekend with him," coach Todd Nelson said. "He looks good out there. He's shooting the puck now, and he wasn't doing that before (in workouts after practices)."

Last season, Bertuzzi had 37 points (12-25-37) in 48 games with the Griffins, and appeared in seven games for the Red Wings without a point before a high-ankle sprain sidelined him in late November.

He tore up the postseason with nine goals and 19 points in 19 games.

Bertuzzi is waiver exempt, so the Red Wings have options on his use this season.

The Griffins also hope to get back Matt Lorito, who has missed the past three games. Nelson said a possible" return is Friday.

Blueline adjustments

The Griffins are in a transition period defensively. They changed their look this season as they let captain Nathan Paetsch depart and brought in physical Dylan McIlrath, and made a commitment to younger players. That includes bigger roles for second-year players Joe Hicketts, Robbie Russo and Dan Renouf.

In the boarder picture, the Griffins want to see what Filip Hronek and Vili Saarijarvi can do. Hronek, 19, has played the past three games (no points and minus-1) since Ryan Sproul was dealt away. Saarijarvi, 20. was recalled Sunday but was not active Wednesday.

"We have a lot of young, up-and-coming guys coming in that have a lot of skills, are good players and I'll try and be there as much as I can," said Lashoff, an alternative captain and elder statesman of the blueline. "I remember guys like Doug Janik and Greg Amadio when I was first coming into pro and they helped turn me into a good pro, and I think if I can do the same thing for them, then they'll have long careers."

Familiar faces

On Friday, the Griffins host the Chicago Wolves who have changed NHL affiliation this season to the expansion Vegas Knights. The Wolves feature former Griffin Teemu Pulkkinen, who is tied for second in in scoring (4-7-11 in six games).

The Griffins have already been bitten by a former player this season. Tomas Jurco scored the shootout winner last Friday for Rockford in a 3-2 decision.

Griff's IceHouse West

The Griffins will host an open practice 3:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday at the grand reopening of Griff's IceHouse West in Holland. The free event for fans includes autographs from players and coaches and an open skate from 4-5:30 p.m. The Calder Cup Trophy will also be on display.