The Detroit Red Wings announced this morning that they have called up Michael Brandsegg-Nygard from the Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions. This news comes in wake of captain Dylan Larkin's gruesome injury in last night's game against the Florida Panthers. There's no telling how long Larkin will be out, but, if head coach Todd McLellan's comments are indication, it shouldn't be for too long.
Brandsegg-Nygard is having an outstanding season for the Grand Rapids Griffins with 37 points in 50 games this season, 12 of which have come in his last 10 games. The Norwegian forward started the season with the Red Wings, scoring a single assist in nine games. Despite only playing 50 games in the AHL this season, he's fourth in rookie scoring in the league.
It remains to be seen whether he will start a game or serve as an additional forward in case Larkin is out long term. If he does play a game, however, he'll burn the first year of his entry level contract, making him due for a renewal in two seasons as opposed to three.
What Brandsegg-Nygard can bring to Detroit
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard's EliteProspects profile brands him as a fearsome threat. "Michael Brandsegg-Nygård is a gamer. Far from just holding his own, Brandsegg-Nygård bullied his opponents most nights. He went into every retrieval seeking out contact and almost always connected."
If that sounds familiar, it should: the Red Wings just traded for a player that fit that mold a few seasons back. Bransegg-Nygard can become the type of player David Perron was in his prime: an imposing winger who gets under his opponent's skin. This call-up, coupled with the Perron trade, is a match made in heaven.
Brandsegg-Nygard now knows the rigor of a full season of North American hockey. Perron, who made a career out of playing the archetype Brandsegg-Nygard plays, can become a mentor figure to the young forward. Very rarely do opportunities present themselves like this. Perron is still injured over the next few weeks, but his presence in the locker room alone could impart some genuine wisdom onto Brandsegg-Nygard.
Red Wings make final push for playoffs
The Dylan Larkin injury couldn't have come at a worse time. The Red Wings, who are now third in the Atlantic division, are fighting for their lives to remain in the playoff race. There's no telling how long Larkin will be out. To make matters worse, March is known as a particularly brutal month for the Red Wings historically. Last season, they managed to limp away with a lowly 4-10-0 record.
This year, fortunately, the team has reinforcements on the way. Marquee acquisition Justin Faulk will help to solidify the team's defensive depth. Perron, as mentioned earlier, serves as both a mentor figure and a middle-six threat. With Brandsegg-Nygard on his way up, the team now has three fresh faces on the roster, each vying for a chance to make a name for themselves.
This March isn't like previous Marches. This time around, the Red Wings are ready for the rigor.