Left Wingers
Taro Hirose
Age: 25
2021 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
GP: 29
G: 5
A: 23
PTS: 28
2021-22 Contract: $850,000 (NHL), $190,000 (AHL)
In 2019, Detroit signed Taro Hirose to a free agent contract after he played three years at Michigan State (NCAA). He has played 64 games in the AHL, scoring 55 points. He has also played 42 NHL games where he has scored 16 points. If he does not make Detroit out of training camp, Hirose will be one of the top offensive players in Grand Rapids.
Jonatan Berggren
Age: 21
2021 Team: Skelleftea (SHL)
GP: 49
G: 12
A: 33
PTS: 45
2021-22 Contract: $925,000 (NHL), $70,000 (AHL)
Jonatan Berggren was a 2nd round selection, 33rd overall in 2018. After two seasons of injuries, Berggren had a breakout year playing for Skelleftea (SHL) last year. Berggren recently signed his entry-level contract with Detroit. He will most-likely start the year in Grand Rapids. Berggren has enormous potential and should be playing in the NHL by the end of the season.
Turner Elson
Age: 28
2021 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
GP: 31
G: 4
A: 13
PTS: 17
2021-22 Contract: Standard (AHL)
Turner Elson went undrafted and played four seasons for Red Deer (WHL). He will be entering his 11th season in the AHL. He has scored 165 points in 396 regular season games. He will be entering his 5th season in Grand Rapids where he has been an alternate captain for three of the last four seasons. Elson brings leadership and experience to the young Griffins offense.
Tyler Spezia
Age: 28
2021 Team: Grand Rapids (AHL)
GP: 26
G: 5
A: 3
PTS: 8
2021-22 Contract: Standard (AHL)
Tyler Spezia was an undrafted free-agent signing in 2018. He has played his entire minor league career in the Detroit organization. Prior to turning professional, Spezia played four seasons at Bowling Green (NCAA) where he served as an alternate captain during his senior year. Spezia has scored 19 points in 56 career AHL games. He is a depth forward who most likely will play fourth line minutes with the Griffins.