McCollum backed up Jimmy Howard on Tuesday but returns to the Griffins where he is the No.1 netminder for the playoff push, at least until Jared Coreau is sent back.

McCollum, 28, has gone 18-13-2 with a 2.72 GAA and .909 SV% in 34 games with the Griffins this season. McCollum has been recalled to backup Jimmy Howard on Tuesday because Jared Coreau is out with an illness.

McCollum was a first round pick of the Red Wings in 2008 and spent six years in the organization before being dealt to the Flames. A year ago he found himself in the AHL and ECHL, posting a 2.10 GAA and .926 SV% in 17 starts with the Charlotte Checkers (AHL). McCollum will likely share a crease with Jared Coreau after Eddie Pasquale walked in free agency.

McCollum was the 30th overall pick in 2008, but never made it to the NHL. Last year he was 15-13-0 with a 2.42 GAA and .923 SV% in 30 games with Grand Rapids (AHL).

McCollum, 25, has gone 10-8-3 with a 2.33 GAA and .911 SV% in 21 games with Grand Rapids this season. He will backup Petr Mrazek while Jimmy Howard is out.

McCollum served as Petr Mrazek's backup for two games while Jimmy Howard was out with a groin injury. With Howie being activated this morning, McCollum has been sent back to Grand Rapids.

McColllum, 25, has gone 5-8-3 with a 2.57 GAA and .903 SV% with Grand Rapids this season. He has been recalled to serve as backup to Petr Mrazek while Jimmy Howard recovers from a lower-body injury.

The Red Wings are off until Friday so they have sent Petr Mrazek back to Grand Rapids to play some games, expect McCollum to switch places with Mrazek before Friday's contest.

No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.