GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday assigned center Matt Ellis to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Ellis was recalled by Detroit on Dec. 18 and made his NHL debut in the Red Wings’ 4-3 loss at Columbus that night, becoming the 83rd Griffins alumnus to play in the NHL. He appeared in four games with the Wings, averaging 4:59 in ice time with three shots, one hit and a minus-one rating.

Among the Griffins’ leaders with 10 goals (2nd), nine assists (T5th), 19 points (3rd), four power play goals (T2nd), two shorthanded goals (1st) and two game-winning goals (T1st), Ellis will return to Grand Rapids’ lineup tonight when the Peoria Rivermen pay a 7 p.m. visit to Van Andel Arena.