Griffins send Keller to Crunch for Simon

The Grand Rapids Griffins on Monday acquired veteran center Ben Simon in a trade with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch for right wing Ryan Keller.

In addition, the Griffins today announced that center Matt Hussey and defenseman Danny Syvret have been recalled by the Detroit Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers, respectively.

Simon, 28, has appeared in 81 NHL games with Atlanta and Columbus over the last six seasons, including 52 with the Thrashers just three seasons ago. The former Notre Dame star and Chicago Blackhawks draft pick won championships during each of his first two professional campaigns, capturing the IHL’s final Turner Cup with Orlando in 2001 and a Calder Cup with Chicago in 2002, and he helped the Wolves return to the Calder Cup Finals in 2005.

After tallying 21 points (9-12—21) in 56 games with Syracuse this season, Simon shows 149 points (60-89—149) and 363 penalty minutes in 336 career AHL contests. He is expected to make his Grand Rapids debut on Wednesday, when the Griffins pay a 7:05 p.m. visit to the Rochester Americans.

Keller, 23, joined the Griffins late last season following a stellar pro debut with the UHL’s Muskegon Fury. He logged 17 points (9-8—17) and 26 PIM in 38 games with Grand Rapids this season.

Hussey, 27, was first recalled by Detroit exactly one month ago, making his Red Wings debut in a 2-1 overtime loss at St. Louis on Jan. 26. Third on the Griffins’ scoring chart with 38 points (14-24—38) in 56 contests, he has points in 12 of his last 14 outings (6-10—16) with Grand Rapids and recently enjoyed a 10-game scoring streak that tied for the seventh-longest run in franchise history. Hussey will be available to play for the Red Wings on Tuesday when they visit Chicago at 8:30 p.m. EST.

Syvret, 21, ranks third among Griffins defensemen with 18 points (4-14—18) in 50 contests. He played in 10 games with the Oilers as a rookie last season and will become the 86th Griffins alumnus to play in the NHL should he be called into service when Edmonton hosts Phoenix on Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST.