The Grand Rapids Griffins begin their 2021-2022 season this evening vs. Rockford (7 PM EDT on WXSP/AHLTV [for free]), and two articles popped up this morning regarding the Griffins’ expectations for the upcoming season.
- First, TheAHL.com’s Patrick Williams posted capsule previews for each and every one of the AHL’s 31 teams…
Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings)
What to watch: Several familiar faces moved on from the Griffins, but Grand Rapids again looks dangerous. Leading the way is reigning Eddie Shore Award winner Ryan Murphy. Touted 21-year-old forward Jonatan Berggren will make his North American debut, and forward Joe Veleno is back from Detroit. In net, Victor Brattstrom will join Calvin Pickard.
2. And DetroitRedWings.com’s Ethan Sears posted a list of six prospects to watch in GR:
Kirill Tyutyayev: At the Prospect Tournament, Tyutyayev was the breakout star, displaying a scoring prowess that no one saw coming after he played last season in Belarus, away from the eyes of the hockey world. His production leveled off in the preseason, but Tyutyayev left an impression on the coaching staff in Detroit.
“I like Kirill,” Blashill said after the Oct. 6 game at Columbus. “I think he’s got a good package. It doesn’t scream off the page at you, in terms of his size and skating and that, but when you really watch him play, he’s strong on the puck.”
Tyutyayev, a native of Russia, is still learning English, making communication an issue. But learning a language comes with time.
“I think there’s stuff there,” Blashill said. “… I’ll be interested to see how he does in Grand Rapids.”
