Todd McLellan: Brandsegg-Nygård's Playing Style A Good Example For Others

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Although the Detroit Red Wings didn't get the result they wanted Friday night against the Seattle Kraken, they can take some positives from the game, including another sizable advantage in shots on goal.

Forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygård recorded four shots before scoring his first NHL goal late in the third period of Detroit's 6-3 loss at Little Caesars Arena.

It was a milestone moment for the Red Wings' 2024 first-round draft pick, who was appearing in his 18th career NHL game. After generating several scoring chances, Brandsegg-Nygård likely felt a sense of relief at finally finding the back of the net.

Could the goal open the metaphorical floodgates for him? 

"I sure hope so," said head coach Todd McLellan. "He played another good, solid, hard game. And there's no fluff in his game right now. It doesn't have to be pretty or anything. He bullies his way to the net." 

McLellan then added: 

"Probably a good example for some others," he said. 

The Red Wings lost key offensive pieces in Patrick Kane and James van Riemsdyk during the offseason, meaning they'll need contributions from across the lineup to make up for their departures.

Brandsegg-Nygård's aggressive style, willingness to attack the net and ability to battle in the dirty areas are exactly the traits head coach Todd McLellan wants to see more of from his team.

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The Norwegian-born forward admitted to having mixed feelings over reaching the milestone goal, which, unfortunately, was part of a loss. 

“Kind of mixed feelings, to be honest,” Brandsegg-Nygård said in the dressing room after the contest. “We’re down by four goals, but of course I’m happy with having my first goal and having that done.”

For the second straight season, Brandsegg-Nygård made Detroit's opening night roster thanks to a strong performance in Training Camp and the preseason. 

So far through four games, he has a goal and two assists, along with a plus-two rating; he's also fired 14 total shots on goal. 

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