Detroit Red Wings: Antti Tuomisto primed to join Griffins ’23-24 roster
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Red Wings selected Antti Tuomisto in 2019 as the team’s second-rounder from the NHL Entry Draft. The Finnish defender has taken a longer and winding path to get to the Red Wings organization, but he looks primed to make a jump.
It’s been a slower development path for the Detroit Red Wings draftee, but it seems like he is primed to move up to the American Hockey League (AHL), joining the Grand Rapids Griffins. Tuomisto took an interesting route, but it seems like he’s ready to continue his development path.
He spent two seasons playing in North America as a collegiate defender on the Denver Pioneers roster. He played in a tough NCHC conference and was part of their defense core. His defensive game improved, but the offense was not always there.
Tuomisto played in 59 games over two seasons, scoring three goals and adding 17 assists for 20 total points. But after two seasons with Denver, the Red Wings and Tuomisto opted to switch things up.
Detroit Red Wings are hoping Antti Tuomisto is ready to make the jump.
Last season, Tuomisto returned home to Finland. He played overseas in the Finnish Liiga on the TPS roster. Tuomisto logged 60 games with TPS, scoring five goals and adding 15 assists for 20 total points.
For the Red Wings, it may not be some crazy performance, but it speaks to the player that Tuomisto might be as he continues on his road to Detroit. He has a bigger 6-foot-5, 205-pound frame and has the defensive tools to stick in a bottom-pairing role.
If all goes to plan, he could end up being a good defensive defenseman with upside in a depth role and possibly some penalty kill time. The point is that his 2023-24 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins could be big for him.
He’s slated to join the Griffins this season, and if Tuomisto plays a role with the Red Wings down the line, he has to prove he can be a defensive asset this season. He has the opportunity in front of him and just needs to capitalize.
With the Red Wings heading toward their Prospect Tournament in Traverse City this month, Tuomisto will get back on the ice. He’ll join a crop of prospects, including some he’ll play alongside on the Griffins this fall.
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If Tuomisto wants to make the right impression in 2023-24, he needs to continue his development path. He needs to prove he can thrive as a defensive defenseman.