GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. The Grand Rapids Griffins on Monday announced that left wing Jiri Hudler has returned to the American Hockey League club after spending the last two months in the Czech Republic alongside his ailing father.

Due also in part to an injury that sidelined him for four contests, the 21-year-old Hudler has appeared in just 12 of the Griffins 40 games this season, averaging a point per game with five goals, seven assists and a plus-five rating. He established a franchise record by scoring five goals in the seasons first four games, and his 10 points (5-510) over the first five contests tied the teams fastest offensive start.

Hudler, who maintained his conditioning by playing for HC Vsetin of the Czech Republic Extraleague during his leave, contributed four points (3-14) and four penalty minutes in five games with his native club.

The Griffins have averaged 2.36 goals per game and have posted a 13-14-0-1 record without Hudler in their lineup this season, including a 10-13-0-1 mark since his late November departure. Conversely, Grand Rapids has compiled an 8-3-1-0 record and has averaged 2.83 goals in games in which Hudler has played.

Hudler, the Detroit Red Wings first choice (58th overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, made his North American debut with the Griffins last season, tallying 49 points (17-3249) in 57 games and earning a spot in the 2004 Pepsi AHL All-Star Classic. He also saw his first NHL action, scoring three points (1-23) in 12 games with Detroit.

Hudler is expected to be in the Griffins lineup this Wednesday when they visit the Edmonton Road Runners. Faceoff at Rexall Place is set for 9 p.m. EST.