Knuble signs Griffins tryout contract

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - After 16 seasons in the NHL, West Michigan resident Mike Knuble signed a 25-game pro tryout contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The deal will allow Knuble to stay in the Detroit Red Wings system should a spot on their roster open up, but he will also remain a free agent should another team come calling.

The Wings invited Knuble, 40, to camp last week on a personal tryout.

Prior to last season, he had scored 20 or more goals in eight consecutive NHL seasons.

Knuble is familiar with the system in Grand Rapids. He practiced with the Griffins during the lockout before joining the Wings last week.

In addition, Knuble will be only the second ever Grand Rapids-area native to play for the Griffins, according to a Monday release. He played for East Kentwood High School. Luke Glendening of East Grand Rapids is the other.

Knuble was originally drafted by the Wings in 1991 and played with the University of Michigan in the early 1990s. The has since played for the Wings, the New York Rangers, the Boston Bruins the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals. He also played in the 2006 Olympics.

If all goes as planned, Knuble will make his Griffins debut Wednesday evening at Van Andel Arena.