 MacDonald signed a two-year contract on July 11, 2011 with the Red Wings (a two-way deal in the first year and a one-way deal in the second year) over an offer to play in the KHL with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.MacDonald began the season with the Griffins as the organization's number three goaltender.Following an injury to starter Jimmy Howard and the unsteady play of back-up Ty Conklin, MacDonald was recalled to the Red Wings where he has helped extend the Red Wings NHL-record home winning streak.