Michael Brandsegg-Nygard looks like a sledgehammer on the ice, with 28 hits in nine games. But unfortunately, he needs to be more than a physical presence, and that hasn't happened yet. Brandsegg-Nygard hasn't looked awful, but more seasoning in Grand Rapids would be more plausible.
Ansar Khan of MLive recently answered a fan question on X and projected Brandsegg-Nygard to be sent down to Grand Rapids. If the Red Wings are listening, they need to make sure Khan's projection is accurate, especially if it means calling up a high-potential prospect like Carter Mazur.
No indication on Sunday. He played only six minutes Saturday. My guess is they'll send him to @griffinshockey where he can log big minutes in all situations and continue to develop, and maybe they bring up Mazur. https://t.co/zOR30TjEK6
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) October 26, 2025
Mazur was a surprise cut during the preseason, despite putting up some promising performances. While it might have made sense to some, since Brandsegg-Nygard was a higher priority, Mazur likely gives the Wings a better chance to win in 2025-26, especially with Brandsegg-Nygard bottoming out with just 6:37 of ice time in Saturday's comeback win over the St. Louis Blues.
Detroit Red Wings must reassign Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, call up Carter Mazur
How good has Carter Mazur been for the Griffins? Across five games, he has four goals and six points, putting him on pace for 87 points if he keeps up this pace. Mazur likely won't match those numbers in Detroit, but he will bring gritty play that Brandsegg-Nygard has become known for early on.
Chances are, he would fare better because he's more familiar with the North American game. As for Brandsegg-Nygard? One look at his advanced stats at even strength is telling, given his on-ice shooting percentage of just 1.7 percent, and an on-ice save percentage of 79.3.
His Corsi For percentage is a healthy 59.8. Ultra healthy, really, but an awesome Corsi For isn't going to score goals for your team, and that's the case when Brandsegg-Nygard is on the ice. He just isn't ready for the big club in the same way Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Emmitt Finnie, the other rookies with the Wings, have shown.
A stint in Grand Rapids means that Brandsegg-Nygard would see his confidence skyrocket. He's shown the coaching staff and front office that he can at least handle the NHL game, or else he would have started the season in Grand Rapids. Let him go down there, take over a few games, and when he's ready to climb back up to the big club, you will see a different player than you have lately.
Update: The Red Wings sent Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to Grand Rapids on Monday afternoon.