It has been a turbulent offseason for Jonatan Berggren.
Few players relish seeing their names circulate in trade chatter, and Berggren has found himself at the center of more than a few proposals. Many of those hypothetical deals made little practical sense, but their persistence underscores a reality: his place in Detroit’s long-term plans is anything but secure.
After signing a one-year “prove-it” extension in June carrying a $1.825 million cap hit, Berggren enters this season with little margin for error. The contract itself is an acknowledgment from both player and club that his future depends heavily on what he produces now. By the trade deadline, if progress isn’t evident, he could once again find himself at the heart of speculation.
Berggren has recognized the weight of the moment, voicing his excitement to work under newly hired head coach Todd McLellan. Last season, he appeared in a career-high 75 games, posting 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists). Respectable, yes, but not the kind of output that guarantees a long-term investment on a team striving to transition from rebuild mode to championship contention
Even if Berggren sets a personal best—say, reaching 40 points—the Red Wings’ organizational depth complicates matters. Prospects like Nate Danielson, Carter Mazur, Amadeus Lombardi, Carter Bear, and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård are waiting in the wings, each representing part of Detroit’s envisioned future. Berggren’s success, while commendable, is unlikely to alter the trajectory of that pipeline.
Thus, his challenge is daunting: to play beyond expectations, to make himself indispensable in a lineup that is steadily tightening. Should he succeed, his role in Hockeytown may extend. Should he fall short, other opportunities will arise elsewhere. Either way, the spotlight won’t shine most brightly on him—Detroit’s narrative is larger than any one player.
NO EXCUSES
Some observers argue the Red Wings have mishandled his development, depriving him of a fair chance to prove his worth. Yet the numbers suggest otherwise. Ice time is the greatest currency in the NHL, and Berggren received more of it last season than ever before. The result? Fewer points than the year prior—28 in 67 games during 2022-23 compared with 24 in 75 games last year.
For Berggren, then, the equation is simple but unforgiving: every shift is an audition, every game an opportunity. Whether he transforms this prove-it deal into a permanent home in Detroit—or simply a stepping stone to his next destination—will depend entirely on his ability to deliver at a level he has yet to sustain.
Should he disappoint, Detroit won't hesitate to ship him to push the team closer to a title run.