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Griffins D Xavier Ouellet (16) attempts to clear the puck away from Admirals LW Viktor Stalberg (25) during the third period at Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Mich., Saturday, January 31, 2015. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com

(Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Defenseman Xavier Ouellet had grown accustomed to playing in Detroit and thought he would remain with the Red Wings.

So, not surprisingly, he was disappointed when he was assigned to Grand Rapids on Friday. He flipped spots with fellow defenseman Alexey Marchenko.

"Well, it's not good news," Ouellet said. "My main goal, obviously, is to establish myself up there and stay. It's just a challenge, I guess. I have to see it as a challenge and get better and find a way to get back up."

Asked what he was told, Ouellet said, "They just said they want to take a look at (Marchenko). He's been playing good and he deserves a shot."

Ouellet, a second-year pro drafted 48th in 2011, was named to the AHL all-star team this season but was in Detroit for the game. He has played in 23 games in Grand Rapids with eight points (1-7-8) and a plus-five. He played in 21 games in Detroit with three points (1-2-3) and a plus-four.

Ouellet arrived in time for the Griffins' game Friday in Milwaukee - a 3-0 shutout by Jared Coreau - and was paired with former Red Wings teams Brian Lashoff in Saturday's 4-0 loss to the Admirals.

"There's an adjustment every time," he said of playing in the AHL. "It's a different game. There's still good players in this league, that is for sure, but it's just execution and players not always in a good spot. It's just different."

Brian Lashoff returned to the Griffins for the first time since the Calder Cup Trophy season of 2012-13.

Lashoff, meanwhile, cleared waivers earlier in the day. The 24-year-old played in only 11 games this season in Detroit and none since Dec. 29. He previously played parts of five seasons in Grand Rapids.

"I think he played good with me. We talk a lot," Ouellet said. "He's a good professional player, and he adjusts well. We're both in the same boat."

Coach Jeff Blashill, who plans to keep the two together, said he has spoken to both about the return to Grand Rapids.

"I've talked to both and they're both big-time people and big-time pros and they understand that the No. 1 thing is they have to play great hockey first and foremost for themselves," he said. "Secondly, they are guys that love winning and really like it here and want to win here.

"Obviously, like a lot of guys in this locker room, they'd like to get back to the NHL. But in the meantime, they understand how important it is for them to play at a high level and help us win games."

The Griffins (23-17-3-1), winners of four of five, will play in Toronto on Wednesday - Jonas Gustavsson, on loan from Detroit, is expected in goal - and then return home where they play eight of 12 games in February.

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.