Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen duly notes that Red Wings prospect Jonatan Berggren has grown into his role as a scorer in the AHL level, in more ways than one, but he still faces a difficult climb as he attempts to graduate from the Grand Rapids Griffins:
The 2018 33rd overall draft pick is one of the handful of Detroit prospects competing for jobs or an improved Red Wings’ roster. Last October, Berggren did drive to Grand Rapids, Ohio, instead of Grand Rapids, Michigan. But once he arrived in the right city, he put up 21 goals and 64 points in 70 games It was one of the better seasons ever produced by a Griffins rookie. He hopes he’s ready for the move from Grand Rapids to Detroit.
“Skilled as advertised,” new Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde said this week of Berggren. “Probably protects the puck a little better than I anticipated. Hockey sense. And he probably plays at a little better pace than I had anticipated, too. Actually, pretty impressed by him.”
Positive reinforcement from the coach is never a bad thing for a youngster trying to climb to the next level. But having a successful season in Grand Rapids probably helps him even more. Other top rookies, such as Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson, Elmer Soderblom, Cross Hanas and Eemil Viro, don’t have the AHL on their resume.
“Had a really good talk the other day in length here with (Grand Rapids Griffins coach) Ben Simon because of what I saw here with Berggren. He’s showing well, which doesn’t surprise. He’s got the year of pro hockey in North America under his belt. I think you can see some improvement in his game.”
