Detroit’s Greatest Strength is its Prospects
For the Detroit Red Wings to move forward in the rebuild, the young players have to take a step forward. While the team has upgraded in net, the roster looks largely the same to last season’s team. A team that failed to make the post season for a ninth consecutive season.
In a disappointing campaign, there was still a sign that the team may be on the verge of breaking out. The team received a significant contribution from rookies Marco Kasper and Simon Edvinsson. Both players made it clear that they were ready to take an NHL spot, and in a meaningful role.
That same opportunity is available for several of Detroit’s prospects. Last week, a group of young players gathered in Detroit for a mini camp. Two of those players seem to be standing out and finding chemistry on and off the ice.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Jesse Kiiskinen
Video was released that followed 2024 first round pick Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. The 19 year old wing is much more vocal and engaged in his second summer with the Winged Wheel. Nygard stands out at net front deflecting shots and scoring in tight with quick shots and plenty of aggression.
There was another part of Nygard’s performances that stood out. That was, the constant presence of prospect Jesse Kiiskinen. Kiiskinen was originally a third round selection for Nashville in 2023 and came to Detroit via trade. Most fans didn’t know how important this deal may become.
Kiiskinen had a breakout season in Europe and signed his entry level contract with Detroit. He and Nygard seem to have created a strong bond and are constantly competing in every imaginable setting. All of a sudden, the two seem to be putting their team on notice. They seem ready to be the next big deal in Detroit.
Two Players who are Hungry to Succeed
Both Brandsegg-Nygard and Kiiskinen seem to have a skillset that Detroit needs. Kiiskinen plays with intensity in all three zones and can find the back of the net. Brandsegg-Nygard will fight for every inch in front of the net and can get his stick on the puck for a tip or quick shot. Both are also hungry enough to keep getting better.
There is no greater step in a player’s development than getting to play in the NHL. Becoming a contributor and staying in the world’s top hockey league is even more difficult. A relentless commitment to improving and competing for a job on a daily basis seperate a prospect from a player.
The upcoming season in Detroit is going to be rife with opportunity. As with Kasper last year, a player can make an impact in the preseason and still not be on the opening night roster. However, that impact leads to a call up and that call up can become a full time job.
Brandsegg-Nygard and Kiiskinen seem poised to turn heads and take spots on the Detroit Roster. Players like Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider have shown that it can be done. This season’s roster could well see both of these prospects don the Winged Wheel and cement themselves into the future success of the Red Wings.
If Detroit is not a preferred destination for high quality free agents you have to hit on players like this. Hopefully they can contribute in a meaningful way in the not too distant future.
That’s dead on. If the team is going to move forward it’s going to be with internal growth. Kasper and Edvinsson took big roles last year. They need guys to take a spot and force someone else off the roster. These two look like they’ve come a long way and want to step into that role. The market was thin, and Detroit couldn’t grab an impact player outside of the deal for Gibson. Huge opportunity for anyone who can grab it.