Hopefully, Jonatan Berggren’s GPS is more accurate from Grand Rapids to Detroit because it only seems a matter of time before he gets the call up. In one of the offseason’s more humorous stories, Berggren’s GPS took him to Grand Rapids, Ohio after a little mix up punching it in. Thinking Grand Rapids, Michigan one was the only GR in America, Berggren could only laugh later.
He’s sure not going to make that mistake should the Red Wings come calling.
It seems with every passing week, there’s another highlight involving the young Swede, Detroit’s second round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. Injuries knocked his stock a bit, but the winger (knock on wood) has been healthy this season. In 43 games, Berggren has 35 points (13-22) and had a beauty of a goal yesterday:
Jonatan Berggren doing Jonatan Berggren things🚨 pic.twitter.com/3nqHaM7kl4
— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 21, 2022
Though it was a 50/50 question at the beginning of the year, and a sluggish start seemed to dampen things a bit, Berggren has turned it up as he adjusted to the North American game. That in fact, according to Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff, was exactly what was expected of him:
"“Not all points translate equal,” Blashill said of Berggren’s SHL production. “Points in the European game sometimes come over here and translate and sometimes they don’t.“I thought part of his game wasn’t going to translate. He needed to change part of his game to have success here and I think he’s working towards doing that.“Most guys don’t come over here and just step into the NHL. That’s just the reality. I think he’s making progress. I think we’re in a good spot with him.”"
With the praise from Blashill, which anyone who follows the team knows is sometimes tough to come by, it’s a matter of when, not if, that Berggren arrives in Detroit.
A Berggren Call-up in Late March?
With the Griffins playoff hopes dwindling and the trade deadline just a few weeks away, the logical time to expect Berggren’s first game should be around the end of March. The Griffins will still have 15 games remaining in their schedule through April, but a few games here and there in Detroit wouldn’t have much of an impact–barring a late season hot streak that sees Grand Rapids reassert itself.
His continued scoring prowess will only harken the calls for him to finally see time in Detroit. The only question really remaining is how soon it will be.
Maybe he can hitch a ride with Steve Yzerman, just like Joe Veleno did. No GPS will be necessary on that trip.