Report: Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to Attend Red Wings' Training Camp, Could Play in North America Next Season
According to Norwegian outlet Nitten, the Detroit Red Wings will decide at training camp whether 2024 first round pick Michael Brandsegg-Nygard will play in Sweden or North American this season
Since signing a contract with Skelleftea AIK in May, it seemed like Michael Brandsegg-Nygard was destined for the Swedish Hockey League this season. But with a recently signed entry-level contract and an invite to Red Wings training camp, the Norwegian star prospect could be playing in North American sooner than anticipated.
In an interview with Norwegian outlet Nitten, Brandsegg-Nygard said that he will attend training camp, with Detroit giving him a chance to make the NHL roster just months after drafting him. If he doesn't end up on the main club's roster, then the decision of where he plays next season comes down to AHL Grand Rapids or Skelleftea AIK, a decision decided by him and the Red Wings organization.
Such a quick avenue to the NHL might seem surprising for a prospect drafted as recently as Brandsegg-Nygard. However, outside of top pick Macklin Celebrini, prospect analysts labeled Brandsegg-Nygard one of the most pro-ready prospects in the first round. His forechecking and competitiveness drive his game, as does his strong shot. Those traits could make him effective to some degree in the NHL. He's also 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, which gives him a pro size advantage that a lot of 18-year-olds don't have.
Brandsegg-Nygard told Nitten that he plans to go to Skelleftea in August for its training camp, then come to Detroit in September for training camp. It's a busy timeline, but it ensures he'll be ready for the SHL in case he does indeed play there.
Calling up Brandsegg-Nygard to the NHL roster so soon would be a major change for Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman, who traditionally likes to let prospects overripen before bringing them up. Such an early crack at the roster for Brandsegg-Nygard speaks to the level at which Red Wings management believes his game is at.
With Detroit's prospect patience in mind, Brandsegg-Nygard is also prepared to either play in the AHL or go to the SHL next season. Under his entry-level contract, he has the ability to do either, and the question comes down to whether Detroit wants him to acclimate to North American ice sooner or later.
If he does go to Skelleftea AIK after all, Brandsegg-Nygard would play with Red Wings 2023 first round pick Axel Sandin Pellikka, who won the SHL championship with the club last season. This pedigree suggests that any option Detroit and Brandsegg-Nygard come down to will place him in a competitive environment where he can develop.
Given his invite to camp, however, Brandsegg-Nygard might be further along than previously thought.
Also from THN Detroit