Mikael-Samuelsson3.JPG

Mikael Samuelsson has struggled this season, with just one goal and three points in 26 games.

(AP File Photo)

DETROIT -- Veteran forward Mikael Samuelsson has been gradually sliding down the Detroit Red Wings’ depth chart as younger players have come up from the Grand Rapids Griffins and made a strong impression.

As a result, the Red Wings waived Samuelsson on Saturday.

If Samuelsson, 37, clears by noon on Sunday, which is almost a certainty, the team can assign him to Grand Rapids.

The Red Wings need to free a roster spot for Johan Franzen, who is expected to return for Sunday's game against the Florida Panthers after missing 16 games with a concussion.

General manager Ken Holland said the club will either send down Samuelsson – if he clears – or one of their younger players – if that player isn’t in the lineup against Florida.

“I said to (coach) Mike Babcock ‘Dress the 12 forwards you think give us the best chance to beat the Florida Panthers,’ ” Holland said.

If Babcock opts to dress Riley Sheahan, Luke Glendening and Tomas Jurco – the three players who are exempt from waivers – then Samuelsson will be sent down.

Sending Samuelsson down won't clear much cap space ($100,000 -- because he signed his two-year, $6 million contract at age 35) but it would create a much-needed roster spot for one of those young players.

“I don’t want the kids here if they’re not in the lineup,” Holland said. “They’re either in the top 12 (forwards) or they’re in Grand Rapids.”

After an injury-plagued 2013 season, Samuelsson has been healthy this year but has struggled. He has just one goal -- scored in the season opener -- and two assists in 26 games. He has been a frequent healthy scratch.

Samuelsson's struggles and his salary made him untradeable. He did not figure to play much, if at all, when the Red Wings get most of their injured players back.

“Some of the kids have played pretty well, we got good competition, we’re starting to get healthy,” Holland said.

Holland said goaltender Jimmy Howard (knee) and center Joakim Andersson (lower-body injury) might return Tuesday in Philadelphia. If not, both are expected to be ready Friday vs. Washington.

He is not certain when Pavel Datsyuk (lower-body injury) will return, but is hoping for next weekend.

“Pav is feeling better every day, not good enough to play,” Holland said. “We’re waiting for him to tell us he’s good to go.”