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Andreas Athanasiou had nine goals and 14 points in 37 games for the Red Wings, plus another goal in the playoffs. He had eight goals and 16 points in 26 games with the Griffins.

(AP file)

Detroit Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou will not rejoin the Grand Rapids Griffins for the start of the Calder Cup playoffs, and possibly throughout the postseason.

Athanasiou has been excused to attend a family matter at home, Ryan Martin, the Red Wings assistant general manager, said Friday morning.

The Red Wings' season ended Thursday with a 1-0 loss at Tampa Bay in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs.

The Griffins, who open the best-of-five series tonight at Milwaukee, will get back defenseman Xavier Ouellet for tonight, but may have to make due without Athanasiou.

"It's difficult to say now, but I would assume through the playoffs unless something changes," Martin said of Athanasiou's long-term availability.

His absence is a blow to the Griffins, who could use some scoring punch. They head into the playoffs on a five-game losing streak and have scored five goals the past four games.

Athanasiou, a second-year pro who had 16 points (8-8-16) in 26 games with the Griffins, has been with the Red Wings since Feb. 5. He was electric at times in the playoffs with a his speed and puck handling in limited ice time. He had eight shifts and 5:44 playing time Thursday. He had a goal in Game 3.

The 21-year-old had nine goals and 14 points in 37 regular-season games with the Red Wings.

Ouellet, meanwhile, was with the Red Wings as an insurance policy and did not play Thursday.

Finally, veteran Joakim Andersson, who returned to the Red Wings on April 8 after 19 games with the Griffins, will not rejoin the team.

Follow the Griffins in the playoffs