The Detroit Red Wings have a gem on their hands.
Eddie Genborg, selected 44th overall by the Red Wings last season, is on the ups. The 18-year-old forward, hot off the heels of a fantastic SHL campaign, signed an amateur tryout deal with the Grand Rapids Griffins in March. Now, through five games, the rookie phenom has put together an assist as he's adjusted to North American ice.
Griffins veteran and fellow Swede Gabriel Seger knows too well the transition it takes to get used to North American ice. The rinks are smaller, the games are more physical and the margin of error is significantly shorter. Seger, in an interview with Hockeysverige, describes just what it takes at the pro level -- and the plan for Genborg moving forward.
Genborg adapting quickly to AHL pace
Genborg, per the AHL-SHL agreement, will need to report back to the SHL full-time next season unless an opt-out clause is reached. Having said that, the early impression the 18-year-old is making could very well change that. "He took one game to adapt," Seger said in his interview. "In the third period, he got some shifts with the first line. The physical aspect of the game is where [Genborg] thrives, I think."
In 43 games with Timrå IK, Genborg had nine goals and 25 points. Lucas Raymond, by comparison, had 18 points in 34 games in his post-draft SHL season. This, of course, isn't to say that Genborg will immediately become a Raymond-tier player, but an 18-year-old scoring at this clip is extremely encouraging. Genborg is one of many Red Wings prospects in the midst of a fantastic season.
Look at that pressure Genborg brings 👀🐙#LGRW #RedWings pic.twitter.com/lvPsMkcc3n
March 15, 2026"It's more about the boards and clearing the puck than anything else," Seger said of the transition to North American ice. "His forecheck works well for him since he's so intense. He's been effective and has great screens in front of the goal."
The Red Wings' plan for Genborg
If the Red Wings can't work out a compromise between the AHL and SHL, they have two choices on their hands. They can either send Genborg back to the SHL to refine the rest of his game, or they can give him every opportunity he can to make the NHL roster.
"He'll learn quickly," Seger added. "If you go around slashing the wrong guy, you have to be ready to drop the gloves. He almost stirred it up in his first game."
Still, Genborg received a lot of encouraging praise for his early efforts. "He stirs it up and plays with speed. At 18 years old, it's fun to see. Great attitude."
Genborg will have seven regular season games in the AHL to show his stuff. After that, the playoffs begin. The Griffins have already clinched a spot in the Calder Cup playoffs. If Genborg can put on a good impression then, the sky's the limit for the flashy forward.