Another Detroit Red Wings minor leaguer will be rewarded for dedicated work down on the farm when defenseman Dylan McIlrath suits up for his first game as a Wing on Monday as Detroit faces the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center.

McIlrath was recalled from AHL Grand Rapids on Sunday and defenseman Libor Sulak, still fighting an illness, was reassigned there.

“Dylan has done a good job over a number of years in Grand Rapids,” Wings coach Jeff Blashill told Detroitredwings.com. “He’s a good penalty killer, a big body, protects the net front, obviously he’s got a toughness to him, so he’s got an edge to him.

“He’s been a real good player for GR, so hopefully he can come in and like (Brian) Lashoff has done, do a real good job for us.”

Like forward Matt Puempel, recalled from Grand Rapids for Saturday’s 3-2 overtime win at Vegas, the 6-5, 236-pound McIlrath was an NHL first-round draft pick and is no stranger to the league. He’s skated in 43 NHL games with the New York Rangers, who selected him 10th overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft, and the Florida Panthers.

His most recently NHL action was during the 2016-17 season.

“It’s always exciting to get the call,” McIlrath sad. “Obviously being in the organization for the last two years, I’ve been working for it down there, hoping to get the call and glad it’s finally here.”

The Wings also get Jonathan Ericsson back on their blueline. He’s missed five games with a knee sprain.

“Johnny feels pretty good,” Blashill said. “I think his wind is the only thing that’s not quite there, but his legs have felt pretty good, he’s been able to skate a decent amount. He feels like he’s totally ready to go.

“There was a chance we maybe would push him for Saturday, but he wasn’t quite ready. He had a little setback on Friday but he feels much better here the last few days. So hopefully he’s ready to go.

“When he’s at his best he’s strong in his own end, he’s physical, he plays against big men, defends well, moves his feet and passes the puck.”

With Ericsson’s return to health, Lashoff was also sent to Grand Rapids.

“That’ll be good to get E back in the lineup,” Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. “It’ll be interesting and fun to watch Mac as well. He’s a big body.”

Forward Michael Rasmussen (upper body injury) will miss his second straight game. Forward Thomas Vanek (abdomen) is also out.

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