With the season as good as done, the Detroit Red Wings have taken to last-second call-ups. This time around, it's 2024 first round pick Michael Brandsegg-Nygard's turn.
UPDATE: The #RedWings have recalled Michael Brandsegg-Nygard from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions. pic.twitter.com/80HStaHnQf
April 12, 2026Brandsegg-Nygard has had quite the season in both the NHL and AHL. After making the roster out of camp, Brandsegg-Nygard played nine games for the Red Wings, only to be sent down to the AHL for the majority of the season.
That all changed in March where, following a rash of injuries, Brandsegg-Nygard found his way back up to Detroit. On his second go of it, he played three games before rejoining the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he's compiled quite the impressive resume.
In 58 games with the Griffins this season, Brandsegg-Nygard has 20 goals and 24 assists for 44 points. The Norwegian winger is fifth in goals and third in points for the Griffins this season. Now, with just two games left on Detroit's regular season schedule, Brandsegg-Nygard earned another
Brandsegg-Nygard enters low pressure situation
Of all the times to start calling up prospects, none is better than this current moment. The Red Wings have nothing to lose. They were just booed off the ice after missing the playoffs for the tenth consecutive season. Their next two opponents - the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers - are resting players or are too injured to make an impact.
Now is the time to give the prospects a shot.
This is an extremely low pressure situation for Brandsegg-Nygard. He should absolutely receive all the time on the top-six he can afford. The Griffins are already comfortably within the playoff picture in the AHL. They can afford missing Brandsegg-Nygard for at least a game or two. This is the winger's chance to show the lessons he's learned in the AHL.
At the start of the season, Brandsegg-Nygard scored just one assist before joining the Griffins for the majority of the season. In the AHL, he found his scoring touch again and has looked far more confident. This is a perfect opportunity for he and fellow draftee Axel Sandin-Pellikka to earn top minutes on the team. Even if they don't manifest into consistent minutes next season, why not take the leap of faith?
Brandsegg-Nygard faces off against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight. If the Red Wings are serious about developing their prospects, they need to ensure he plays as many shifts as he can manage. After the NHL season is through, Brandsegg-Nygard will return to the AHL, where he'll rejoin the Griffins for a chance at the Calder Cup.