Instead, surprisingly, the league-leading Grand Rapids Griffins continue to see their roster grow stronger as they pursue what could be the best season in AHL history.
Goaltender Michal Postava is back to health after suffering an injury in Chicago on Nov. 9. Now forward Amadeus Lombardi is back as well, joining the Grand Rapids team in their 5-4 overtime loss at Milwaukee on Tuesday night. Lombardi, who had a 19-goal season in 2024-25, had not played since Nov. 21.
Then there’s defenseman Shai Buium, who anchors the Grand Rapids blueline as one of the most important small pieces the Detroit Red Wings have in their organization. But Buium’s strong rookie season didn’t last for months in the fall for the 22-year-old, who went to the Red Wings as a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. In training camp with the Red Wings, an upper body injury sidelined Buium for the first half of the AHL season. This setback came after he played in 67 of 72 regular season games in 2024-25 and finished 2-23-25 to rank second in scoring among Grand Rapids defensemen. His first crack at the pro program ended with three appearances in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
He sure missed a lot while he was gone, too. The Griffins have put together an impressive opening three months to their season, going 29-1-1-1. That effort stands as the best 32-game start to a season in 90 AHL seasons. A two-time NCAA national champion at the University of Denver, he now has a chance to pursue the Calder Cup.
Buium’s big day came last Friday night when he played his first game of the season for the Griffins in a 2-0 home loss to the Texas Stars. His return left the Griffins with seven defensemen, and head coach Dan Watson came out happy with what he saw from his cool blueliner.
“I thought he was great,” Watson told the Grand Rapids media after the game. “I mean, there’s going to be times where it’s going to be a little slow or the pace is a little bit too fast or he’s going to get a little tired, but that’s to be expected. But overall, I think he skated well. I thought he saw the ice well.
You know, you see he’s a smart player. We have seen it [him] before, you will come back to it. It will take him a while, but it’s nice to see him go out with our team.”
On Tuesday in Milwaukee, Watson returned to six defenders. NHL veteran Justin Holl also returned to the lineup and was paired with Buium. Any rust that Buium may have experienced early in his season seemed to be gone against the Admirals, and he tied the team lead with four shots.
In getting a point against the Admirals, the Griffins tied an AHL record with their 16th game to record at least one point on the road (14-0-1-1).
Next on Grand Rapids’ schedule are Friday home dates against the Rockford IceHogs and Saturday’s rematch with the Griffins at Van Andel Arena.
2026 Rockford IceHogs vs Grand Rapids Griffins
There are two ways to look at a midseason comeback like this for a young man. The other side is that he may need some time to adjust to the mid-season league level around him, both with his teammates and opponents. However, you also have very little aging. The Griffins have eight games in 16 nights to close out their January schedule. In February, even with the AHL All-Star break built in, it has 11 games. And the close of the season in April will bring eight games in 19 nights. All of that will come before two months have passed since the start of the season, which should be the team that has never struggled to win the Calder Cup, given the team’s performance in the first half.
So there will be plenty of hockey for Buium to play if the Griffins take their season into June.
For now, though, Griffin and Buium are just happy to have him healthy and back on the ice.
How to Watch the AHL
The AHL broadcasts worldwide on FloHockey. Watch every single game from the regular season through the Calder Cup Playoffs, as well as key events like the AHL All-Star Classic and AHL Outdoor Classic. Sign up for FloHockey today so you don’t miss out. All games will be available on FloHockey.tv or through FloSports mobile and connected TV apps.
NHL Prospect Coverage on FloHockey
The best, and most complete, coverage of NHL minor league hockey and the NHL Draft is available on FloHockey. Don’t miss the latest prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.
Hockey Hits Hard on Flo
Every game. The whole goal. Always a hit. All Season. FloHockey gives you access to the most live hockey anywhere, including leagues like the AHL, ECHL, OHL and QMJHL. Watch your team, follow the top prospects and stay on top of all the action. Sign up for an annual plan now and get 7 months free.
Watch AHL, ECHL, QMJHL, OHL and more on FloHockey
FloHockey is home to broadcasts from some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.
Join the Hockey Chat on FloHockey Social
