Derek Meech is the seventh defenseman.
Matt Ellis is on the roster and moving his wife and child to Detroit this week.
Aaron Downey has been offered a two-way contract that he says he'll likely accept. If he does, he'll start the season in Detroit.
Mark Hartigan has been put on waivers with the intent of being assigned to Grand Rapids.
Igor Grigorenko has been assigned to Grand Rapids.
Kyle Quincey is on injured reserve, but will go to Grand Rapids to work out. When he's ready to play (Quincey believes that will be in two and a half weeks), he'll start in Grand Rapids.

Another note from Monday's practice is that Chris Chelios skated early on his own, then left for the William Wirtz funeral in Chicago.