Updated at 2:43 PM: DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills tells us a little about Jonatan Berggren’s belief that this year, he’s going to make a positive impact with the Red Wings:
“I felt when I got the chance [in the NHL last season], I did pretty good,” Berggren said. “I was an offensive threat. Like always, I know I can be an offensive player here so just take care of the defense and the rest will probably come later.”
Splitting time between the AHL and NHL last season was challenging for Berggren, but he believes he’s a better player because of it.
“Me and my girlfriend basically lived in my car,” Berggren said. “But looking back at it, I grew a lot. Mentally strong and stuff, so of course it’s been tough. I think it’ll help me in the long run.”
Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde expects Berggren to take a leap in his development this season.
“You talk about actions, the first action is he had a great summer,” Lalonde said about Berggren. “He looks leaner. He looks like he’s got a little bit more pop. He’s done his work. Now, it’s just being a little more responsible in that two-way game.”
It stands to reason that the former second-round pick (No. 33 overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft can do exactly that.
“I feel like I have a chance to take a spot and help provide goals for the team,” Berggren said. “That’s my main goal, but like I said, I need to take care of the defense first. The offense will come.”
Update: Here’s more from MLive’s Ansar Khan:
Berggren had a strong season with the Griffins (team-leading 24 goals, 56 points in 53 games). The Red Wings need his offense after losing 53 goals up front with the departures of David Perron, Robby Fabbri and Daniel Sprong, some of which will also be offset by Vladimir Tarasenko.
But Berggren can’t be responsible for allowing more offense than he provides.
“He’s done his work, now it’s just being a little more responsible in that two-way game,” coach Derek Lalonde said. “He’s got a great opportunity and I think we were very clear in our messaging this summer. He understood it. That two-way game, not giving up easy offense, not cheating for offense. He can create offense by playing the right way.”
Berggren met with coaches this summer to discuss his defensive play, which boosted his confidence, got him mentally prepared, he said.
“Looked at some clips from last season and watched some other players, how they play in the defensive zone and stuff,” Berggren said. “It’s on YouTube. Smaller players like me. Fast players, like (Sidney) Crosby, really good defensive player, but I like those superstars that I’ve grown up looking at. I’m feeling it helped me a lot and prepared me for this season.
“Just be committed to the defense and I know that the offense would come.”
