"Best Game As A Red Wing": Michael Brandsegg-Nygård Singled Out For Praise

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Despite a late surge, the Detroit Red Wings were unable to come up with the equalizer in Sunday afternoon's 3-2 regulation loss to the Winnipeg Jets at Little Caesars Arena.

It was the second straight loss for the Red Wings to begin the 2026-27 season, and the second straight game in which they were without both Dylan Larkin (upper-body) and Simon Edvinsson (contract stalemate). 

However, one particular bright spot for Detroit was the play of forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, who once again made the club out of Training Camp and the preseason as he did last fall. 

He led the team with six shots on goal, and in hits with four, while picking up an assist. 

Afterward, McLellan singled him out for praise, saying it was his best performance in the NHL to date. 

“I thought this was his best game as a Red Wing,” McLellan said. “He’s a bully, which is great. He isn’t afraid to shoot it.

“He sticks his nose in, really looks like he’s enjoying playing the game. Fantastic.”

For the Norwegian-born forward, he's feeling good about his performance. 

"I'm happy with the performance, I feel pretty good - a good connection with the guys I play with." 

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Not only did he lead the team in total shots during the contest, but Brandsegg-Nygård also had a handful of prime scoring chances that ultimately just missed the net, including a split second before Finnie's goal. 

Detroit's sophomore forward sent a cross-ice pass to Brandsegg-Nygård at the side of the net, only for his shot attempt to hit the outside of the net. However, he immediately retrieved the puck behind the net and sent a perfect feed to a waiting Finnie, who scored his first of the season. 

"MBN made a great play to get open there, and then he just put it in front," Finnie said. "I was just trying to get myself in front and get body position." 

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