We’ve discussed two Norwegian-language articles on Nitten.no in which Red Wings prospect Michael Brandsegg-Nygard told Wegard Bakkehaug that signing an entry-level contract with the Red Wings means that he may play for Skelleftea AIK of the SHL, the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL or the Red Wings, should he earn a spot in Detroit’s lineup out of training camp.
Then Bakkeheug spoke with Brandsegg-Nygard and Stian Solberg’s GM for the Norwegian “parent club,” Valerenga, and Anders Myrvold (a former Red Wing!) suggested to Bakkehaug that it will be best for MBN to play for Skelleftea after playing a level below for Mora of the Allsvenskan this past season.
Yesterday, we discussed an article in which MBN spoke witth Norran—behind a paywall–indicating that he’s training with Skelleftea this offseason, expecting to play there…
And this morning, Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff discusses the first article from Nitten.no, as well as the behind-the-paywall article form Norren as they apply to Brandsegg-Nygard’s playing future:
Going from [the Allsvenskan] into even the AHL seems like quite the leap. Even Brandsegg-Nygard is viewing the situation from that point of view.
“It is obviously very, very difficult,” Brandsegg-Nygard admitted. “I’m going to do everything I can, and everyone wants to play in the NHL, but it’s a very difficult goal now. I doubt it will happen.”
Skelleftea sports manager Eric Forssell told Swedish website Norran that it is up to the Red Wings where Brandsegg-Nyagrd, the 15th player chosen in the draft, will be playing his hockey during the 2024-25 season.
“They decide,” agreed Brandsegg-Nygard, “but they have said they won’t force me to do something I don’t want myself. Now I don’t really know. I have to take it as it comes.”
Continued; I’d be shocked if Brandsegg-Nygard plays for any team but Skelleftea AIK, even given the fact that the Red Wings signed him to that entry-level contract to ensure that MBN had all three of the playing options he’s discussed with Nitten.no and Norran.
At this point, barring a lights-out training camp, playing alongside Axel Sandin Pellikka for Skelleftea is definitely the most likely occurrence.
