Detroit Red Wings Influence Evident in Unique Hockey Event

The Detroit Red Wings may not have any current players in the upcoming 8 Nations 3-on-3 tournament in Latvia, but their influence is evident.

What's the connection to Detroit Red Wings?

Former Red Wings forward Teemu Pulkkinen recently helped Finland win the 3ICE World Cup title, although he won't be playing in this tournament.

Eduard Tralmaks, who scored 26 goals for the Grand Rapids Griffins, will captain Latvia's team.

Who else is involved?

Wojciech Stachowiak, who joined the Griffins in a late-season trade, will play for Germany, while Victor Johansson, younger brother of Griffins defenseman Anton Johansson, will play for Sweden.

Former NHL forward Leo Komarov will also participate, suiting up for Finland.

And the Red Wings' standing is currently 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 41-31 record, on a L3 streak.

What about player movements?

Evgeni Svechnikov, Detroit's first-round pick in 2015, is joining Moscow Spartak in the KHL, leaving Amur Khabarovsk.

Ex-Detroit defenseman Luke Witkowski will play for Brno in the Czech Extraliga, after being with Brynas of the SHL last season.

What's next for former Red Wings?

Former Red Wings player Tomas Jurco is joining Kosice of the Slovak Liga, while former Wings defenseman Ryan Sproul signed with Villacher of ICEHL.

Center Jackson Jutting, who played four games for the Griffins last season, is moving to Sweden's SHL to play for MoDo.

Former Detroit defenseman Robbie Russo signed an AHL pact with Tucson, and ex-Wings forward Mitchell inked an AHL pact with Coachella Valley.

So several players with Red Wings ties opted to re-up with their current team, including forward Matt Luff resigning with the New York Islanders.

Defenseman Donovan Sebrango inked a new pact with the Florida Panthers, while former Wings forward Taro Hirose is staying with Munchen of Germany's DEL.