The Grand Rapids Griffins have a lot to love about them.
We’ve heard about the goalie competition and trade proposals. A nice discussion to have considering the previous attempts to develop goalie prospects haven't gone all too well. For years, Griffins fans have sung the praises of plenty of prospects.
Some Wings fans are understandably jaded by prospects. This group is a bit different, though. Three forwards, in particular, have raised their games in the playoffs and they’re just scratching the surface.
If these storylines aren’t catchier than a song by The Temptations, there’s more to enjoy as a Red Wings fan.
Third line has NHL potential
While the top-six forwards were excellent for the Griffins, the third line was the most consistent in its play.
Jakub Rychlovský, Wojciech Stachowiak, and Eduards Tralmaks have created a formidable middle-six group. They play the same way every shift.
They may not have high-end skill (though Tralmaks’ 26 goals in the regular season and three goals in four games at the Olympics may have you second-guessing that notion), but they are relentless on the puck. Winning battles and gaining momentum is their forte.
When there were clear lulls in the games against Manitoba, this line seemed to bring it back to Grand Rapids’ side every shift.
This season, only Tralmaks earned a call-up to the NHL. He didn’t see action, which was disappointing. For a team starved of offense, Tralmaks would have at least been worth a shot.
Rychlovský has stepped up his game from the end of the regular season and continued his successful campaign in the playoffs. His two-way game is sound, and he does all the dirty work well.
Newest acquisition a huge win for Grand Rapids
Atop the re-sign pile for the Griffins, though, has to be Stachowiak. The match is almost a fairytale between Stachowiak and the Griffins.
Acquired from the Syracuse Crunch as he was recovering from injury, Stachowiak didn’t play many games. However, he has an impact every game that he’s been a part of.
Offensively, Stachowiak went on a point spree with the Griffins, nearly doubling his point totals in 10 games with the Griffins vs. his 38 with the Crunch. He put up 15 points with the Griffins vs. his 17 points in 38 games with the Crunch.
It’s not just his offense, though. He’s an excellent two-way player. Like most of the Griffins roster he loves getting under an opponent’s skin. There have been multiple occasions where opponents were up in arms, shouting incoherently. Meanwhile, Stachowiak just laughs. Nothing is more enraging for an angered opponent than being laughed at, and it’s something that the Detroit Red Wings sorely lack.
Hopefully, at least one or two of these players are re-sign with the Griffins—if not all three.
At least one should make a push for a spot in the bottom-six in Detroit next season. (If I had to put money on one of them, Stachowiak is the top choice.)
It should be noted that this was the only line that scored in Thursday night's matchup for the Griffins. This line continued its' effective play throughout the entire game, as well.
Defensemen auditioning for NHL ice time
With all this talk about the goalies (and rightfully so), Wings fans should also dial into the defensemen in this series.
Erik Gustafsson and William Lagesson might be seasoned veterans, but man do they make these games entertaining. Gustafsson has the offensive mind, but he’s a sneaky in his approach with he opposition. He can lay the booming hit while chirping opponents:
The cameras didn’t catch it but Erik Gustafsson was absolutely giving it to Mason Shaw while he was in the penalty box during the Griffins goal celebration 😂#GoGRG #AHL #LGRW https://t.co/oB0ZGm66zf
— Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) May 8, 2026
He’s just flat out fun to watch play.
Lagesson, on the other hand, is the straw that stirs the drink. As hard hitting as they come, he’s always a treat to watch play.
Together, they are a great veteran presence for the young guys.
Understandably, Wings fans aren’t tuning into to watch either player—but they will not waste your time when you do watch them. You will be entertained.
The rest of the Griffins’ blue line boasts the likes of superstar in the making Axel Sandin-Pellikka, the Mean Finn in Antti Tuomisto, William “Wallibomb” Wallinder and Anton (crush you with a smile on his face) Johansson.
Although Tuomisto is a free agent after this season and Wallinder is a restricted free agent. Both are likely to re-sign with the Wings (or serve as a trade chip for Detroit). Both have taken steps this season.
The younger two might draw more attention, though. They are a bit flashier in their play and their potential is endless. In training camp, it will be a hard battle between Sandin-Pellikka, Johansson and Jacob Bernard-Docker. If this summer goes the way it should for the younger players, it is likely a trade or two on the blue line will be made (either before the season begins, or right after—similar to when Olli Määttä was traded).
Johansson offers a bit more of the traditional third-pairing traits: big, physical, two-way. Sandin-Pellikka offers the superb skill that is desperately lacking.
Either of these players will make a huge impact (even if it’s just the typical 10 to 15 minutes per game, hopefully to start the campaign, they will make good use the time).
Where to watch the Griffins
Games can be streamed on FloHockey, or for free you can listen to the Griffins on iHeartRadio.
Beer and hot dogs are still just $2 from 6-8 p.m. ET.
If you can make it out to a game, Griffins host the Wolves on Thursday (May 14), Saturday (May 16), and, if necessary, Saturday (May 23). All home games have rally towel giveaways as well. Check out the home schedule here.
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