“Andrej is a young player with good size who we feel can contribute to our group of forwards,” said Francis. “He has improved in each of his pro seasons and took a big step last year with Grand Rapids.”

Nestrasil, 23, made his NHL debut in Detroit’s season opener on Oct. 9, and has earned two assists in 13 games with the Red Wings this season. The Prague, Czech Republic, native spent all of the 2013-14 season with Detroit’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, notching 16 goals and earning 20 assists (36 points) in 70 regular-season games. Nestrasil ranked tied for fourth in scoring among Griffins skaters in the postseason with six points (4g, 2a) in Grand Rapids’ 10 Calder Cup playoff games.

The Red Wings drafted Nestrasil (6’3”, 200 lbs.) in the third round, 75th overall, in the 2009 NHL Draft. Since turning professional in 2011-12, he has scored 22 goals and earned 24 assists (46 points) in 120 AHL regular-season games, and captured the AHL’s Calder Cup championship with the Griffins in 2013. Nestrasil also has played in 91 regular-season games with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye, totaling 18 goals and 52 assists in those contests. Prior to turning professional, he played three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with Victoriaville and P.E.I. Nestrasil represented his native Czech Republic at the 2009 International Ice Hockey Federation World Under-18 Championship, as well as the 2010 and 2011 World Junior Championship.