The Grand Rapids Griffins have enjoyed a strong start to their season, maintaining an overall record of 16-1-0-1. The team has demonstrated a balanced attack, blended with elite-level goaltending and consistent effort on both ends of the ice.
The Griffins, behind the guidance of general manager Shawn Horcoff, deploy a roster of promising prospects blended with some experienced veterans. The Griffins have positioned themselves at the top of the Central Division standings with 33 points, a mere nine points ahead of the Manitoba Moose. Their special teams performance—particularly on the power play—has been a highlight, with a 25.9 percent success rate that ranks fifth in the American Hockey League (AHL).
The Griffins enjoyed a near 40 percent success rate on the power play over the first two weeks of November, which is undoubtedly not maintainable but also noteworthy, as it enhanced their overall season rate. They're led by veteran forward John Leonard, 27, who has amassed 15 goals and 24 points over 15 games this season.
Can the Grand Rapids Griffins maintain this type of success all season?
Forward Dominik Shine is second in scoring with 10 goals and 17 points. They are followed by the likes of Sheldon Dries (5G, 14P), and Amadeus Lombardi (3G, 14P). Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, who enjoyed a cup of coffee with the Detroit Red Wings to begin the season, is off to a fantastic start with the Griffins, also. He's recorded four goals and 11 points through 13 games.
The Griffins’ current trajectory suggests that they are well-equipped to maintain their success throughout the regular season. The team's depth, effective leadership, and dependable goaltending establish a strong foundation.
The Griffins have established themselves as legitimate Calder Cup contenders. While it’s early in the season and the playoff picture can still shift, their balanced roster and ability to win close games with Sebastian Cossa manning the twine should bode well for a deep playoff run.
If they can remain healthy and maintain their current form under head coach Dan Watson, the Grand Rapids Griffins have a genuine shot at competing for the Calder Cup in 2025–26. That said, it's too early to worry about this or turn a positive into a negative. Still, the organization might find it difficult to retain Watson if the Griffins continue their dominating play. You know how the NHL coaching carousel works.
Entering the 2025–26 campaign, expectations for the Grand Rapids were cautiously optimistic. As you know, the Red Wings' way is always having the organization emphasize player development, but Yzerman has also set a clear goal of seeing the Griffins return to the Calder Cup Playoffs.
With several Detroit Red Wings prospects on the current roster, many of whom had spent the past year or two playing in professional leagues overseas, and a clear logjam of NHL players at the NHL level in Detroit barring injuries at both levels, this Griffins roster is expected to remain intact with high expectations for the duration of the season.