Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, the Detroit Red Wings’ first-round pick in the most recent NHL draft, has refused to play in the AHL and will instead return home to play hockey.
It’s never a good sign when a young prospect rejects your intentions for him, but that’s precisely what Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is dealing with with one of his players. According to Norran.se in Sweden, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has declined to play in the AHL and will return home.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård fick i går, söndag, höra av Steve Yzerman att de ville behålla honom i AHL men "MBN" och hans agent ska ha stått på sig om spel i SHL.
"Skellefteå har ett väldigt bra lag och det är bättre för min utveckling att spela i SHL"https://t.co/HIbDF85rTt
— Robin Lindgren (@robinlindgreen) October 7, 2024
The Detroit Red Wings signed Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to a three-year entry-level deal shortly after picking him 15th overall in the most recent NHL entry draft. According to Norran, Steve Yzerman wanted Brandsegg-Nygard to play with Grand Rapids in the AHL this season, but he declined.
“…Red Wings brass expressed a preference for him to play in Grand Rapids, while Brandsegg-Nyg�rd himself expressed a strong preference to play in Sweden, citing the fact that playing in a league where winning matters would be developmentally beneficial.” – The Hockey News
Press release: Red Wings trim roster to 28 players, send Kasper to GR, Brandsegg-Nygard to Skelleftea AIK https://t.co/v10WbhDwF3 pic.twitter.com/Om0HCYzMSo
— George Malik (@georgemalik) October 6, 2024
While it is commonly acknowledged that the AHL’s primary focus is on player development rather than winning, this is typically a criticism of older hockey players who choose to play in leagues such as the KHL in Russia, where winning is prioritized over providing ice time for young, growing players. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has been granted permission to play for Skellefteþ AIK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) this season.
UPDATE: The #RedWings have trimmed their preseason roster to 28.
Details » https://t.co/MxKjKZmUDT pic.twitter.com/4YKx6mqQbS
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 6, 2024
At 19 years old, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard still has plenty of time to develop into the type of player the Detroit Red Wings require. However, refusing to play in the AHL is a risky move for someone who has only recently been drafted into the club. Hopefully, we’ll see him again in Michigan next year.
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