Detroit’s AHL Griffins Getting Early Boost From Standout Rookies

Following a rebound win Sunday, the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, moved to a winning record by beating the Chicago Wolves 5-1 for their third victory of the season.

Grand Rapids had alternated wins and losses through its first five games, but there have been plenty of bright spots, especially from young prospects in their pro debut seasons.

Leading the headlines is Jesse Kiiskinen, Detroit's 2023 third-round pick. He played three games with the Griffins at the end of last season and stood out, and he has looked even better this year.

The 21-year-old Finnish import has five goals and two assists for seven points in five games, including a hat trick and an assist in Sunday's four-point night against Chicago and currently leads the Griffins in scoring.

Kiiskinen is far from the only first-year pro off to a strong start as Dylan James, a 2022 second-round pick of the Red Wings, has been solid in his first season with Grand Rapids, recording a goal and an assist through five games.

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Detroit's 2025 first-round pick, 13th overall Carter Bear, is also off to a promising start with the highly touted 19-year-old already recording a goal and an assist for two points this season.

Defenseman Shai Buium, a 2021 second-round pick, has three assists, while Kienan Draper, a 2020 seventh-round selection, has an identical line of no goals and three assists.

The Griffins have plenty of intriguing storylines to follow this season, with several marquee prospects and future Red Wings getting their first taste of pro hockey. So far, it has looked good for some of the rookies.

Grand Rapids will be back in action this weekend with a home-and-home series against the Rockford IceHogs.

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