by Jeremy Laura
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard Exit Interview
After the Grand Rapids Griffins playoff exit, the Griffins headed back to Grand Rapids. As players departed for the summer, prospect Michael Brandsegg-Nygard headed to Detroit to meet with Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman. The exit interview with the 19-year-old seems to have garnered some attention.
The opening round sweep wasn’t the prospect showcase many fans hoped for. The team was outscored 13 to 6 in three games, game one being a shutout. Brandsegg-Nygard, however, managed to make his mark. It was the first AHL appearance for the 2024 first-round pick. MBN showed flashes of strength and scoring sorely needed in Detroit.
Three Point Performance
Grand Rapids didn’t score their first goal until the 2nd period of game 2. MBN collected his first AHL assist on the tally. In period 3 a mantle piece was collected with his first AHL goal. In game 3, Brandsegg-Nygard scored in the first period. The two goals, while a small sample size, showed promise.
Both goals were nearly identical. The stocky winger found a space in front of the net. The puck was sent to him and immediately snapped past the goalie. No cleaning off or settling the puck. Just a quick shot that surprised the opposition. It looked like a glimpse at a net front presence on Detroit’s power play.
The past season in the SHL’s Skelleftea didn’t see a strong showing. The rookie scored just 5 goals and 6 assists in 42 games. The AHL playoffs saw Brandsegg-Nygard start to come alive. After the first assist, the forward was playing a more physical game. Nicknamed “Panda” for his stocky frame, the impetus behind his drafting became more evident. Detroit wanted to add strength to the lineup.
Early Impressions From The Front Office
After last summer’s draft, the newly minted prospects gathered in Detroit. During the rookie camp, reports were emerging that the office was pleased with what they were seeing. The 15th overall pick was turning heads, leading to a preseason audition.
The early assumptions were that the 6’1” right winger would spend the preseason in Sweden. Axel Sandin-Pellikka was at the prospect’s camp, but didn’t return for training camp. The previous year’s first-round pick had already decided to return to the SHL. Yzerman and co seemed to be fine with the decision. The team did discuss a move to North America with ASP, but it didn’t come to pass.
By the end of the preseason, it was revealed that Brandsegg-Nygard had 2 destinations. Either a start in the NHL or joining Sandin-Pellikka in Sweden. The Entry Level Contract was signed, but an AHL start didn’t seem to be on the table. The decision was an interesting twist. Detroit prospects don’t normally dictate the AHL as a non-starter for a career start.
Whatever was discussed, it seems that both Sandin-Pellikka and Brandsegg Nygard have an opportunity. The preseason will see prospects competing to take a roster spot. Sandin-Pellikka set multiple SHL records for a defenseman under 19. He was part of a championship team in 23/24. The offensive-minded right-shot defenseman also made an impact for Sweden at the IIHF level. The success saw a jump to the front of the line in prospect rankings for Detroit.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has headed to join Norway for the IIHF tournament. Early returns after his draft seemed to put the prospect off of the radar for fans. With his showing in the AHL, there is more optimism amongst fans and the Detroit organization. Combined with last season’s decisions it seems that eyes will be on MBN as a possible NHL candidate.
No Guarantees
No prospect is guaranteed a roster spot as of this moment. The opportunity to change that is clearly available. Detroit has been anxious to get other rookies into the lineup. Carter Mazur turned heads with his post-draft collegiate season. Unfortunately, injuries limited the prospect to just 2 shifts in Detroit last season. His tenacity and style could fill a void for the Red Wings. MBN has a similar skill set.
The coming year is likely a much greater opportunity for call-ups. The NHL will shut down for around 3 weeks during the Olympics. Increased back-to-back play is inevitable. Injuries could play a large role in regular-season success.
A start in Grand Rapids does not necessarily indicate where players will spend most of the season. Marco Kasper took an opportunity that opened up and forced his way onto the roster. After a coaching change, the centerman came alive as a top-line winger. He finished the season centering the most impactful line for Detroit.
With all of this available and another opportunity to perform for the IIHF, MBN has an audience. The front office has commented on the need for bottom-six contribution. This could be the perfect fit for a physical player who can add to the goal column. It just needs to be seized.
