The Case for Michael Brandsegg-Nygård at 15 On the latest episode of The Silky Mitten State [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/red-wings-goalies-go-global-player-assistance-problems-and-a-round-two-whip-around-the-silky-mitten-state-episode-26], my co-host Connor Earegood and I examined potential candidate for the Red Wings to target at pick number 15 in the fast approaching NHL Draft in June. Among the candidates we discussed is Norwegian winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, who spent his 2023-24 season playing for Mora IK in HockeyAllsvenskan (the second division of Swedish hockey). Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman announces Marco Kasper (not pictured) as the number eight overall pick to the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA2NTAyNjQxNTAzNTc3ODA2/usatsi_18660341.jpg] Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman announces Marco Kasper (not pictured) as the number eight overall pick to the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre Last week, Connor wrote of Brandsegg-Nygård [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/introducing-three-forward-prospects-the-red-wings-could-land-at-no-15]: "When it comes to his fit, Brandsegg-Nygard's physical play could be a boost to the Red Wings' future middle six. The Red Wings have prioritized defensive types like him in recent drafts, most notably with the selection of Marco Kasper 2022's opening round. Brandsegg-Nygard could perhaps be a future linemate to a high-skill identity line that would fit the Red Wings' wishes to become a better defensive team in the future. At the midway point of the first round, getting a really good roleplayer can be an effective draft strategy, even if it isn't ambitious. If all Brandsegg-Nygard becomes is a checking presence at the NHL level, that's still a role that provides a whole lot of value at the NHL level. Think of Michael Rasmussen [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/analysis/rasmussen-extension-reflects-the-importance-of-quality-depth-and-long-road-of-molding-talent-into-function], whose work ethic and size translated to a functional third-line presence. Molding these types of players into NHLers provides the kind of depth and versatility needed to win games." We discussed the ways in which Brandsegg-Nygård seems to fit with what we've seen Steve Yzerman target in previous drafts and how he could fit into the existing Detroit prospect pool. You can see a sample of our conversation in the featured video above. For full episodes, check out Apple Podcasts or Spotify: ALSO FROM THN DETROIT With Cossa and Augustine in the Pipeline, Red Wings Can Look to Bruins' Handling of Swayman, Ullmark for Guidance [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/with-cossa-and-augustine-in-the-pipeline-red-wings-can-look-to-bruins-handling-of-swayman-ullmark-for-guidance] “They'll Find Ways to Win”: How the Toledo Walleye Rattled off 22 Straight Wins, and Why They’re Poised to Keep Winning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/theyll-find-ways-to-win-how-the-toledo-walleye-rattled-off-22-straight-wins-and-why-theyre-poised-to-keep-winning] Kasper Leads Griffins to Game 1 Win in Central Division Finals [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/kasper-leads-griffins-to-game-1-win-in-central-division-finals] Red Wings Goalies Go Global, Player Assistance Problems, and a Round Two Whip Around: The Silky Mitten State Episode 26 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/red-wings-goalies-go-global-player-assistance-problems-and-a-round-two-whip-around-the-silky-mitten-state-episode-26] Could a Mitch Marner to the Red Wings Trade Make Sense? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/could-a-mitch-marner-to-the-red-wings-trade-make-sense] Must Watch: Red Wings First Round Pick Scores Dazzling Short-Handed Goal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/players/must-watch-red-wings-first-round-pick-scores-dazzling-short-handed-goal]
