Of foreign language-related Red Wings note this morning:
- Red Wings prospect Eddie Genborg, who plays for Timra IK of the SHL, has found himself in the company of Red Wings legends of late. Hockeynews.se’s Linnea Andersson reports that both Nicklas Lidstrom and Niklas Kronwall have watched Genbrg play recently:
Eddie Genborg had eyes on him when Timra played Orebro. On the spot was NHL legend Nicklas Lidström, in his role as representative of the Detroit Red Wings, to probably get a closer look at the Timra talent.
Nicklas Lidström was in Orebro when Timra fell 5-3 [on Thursday]. He is today “Vice President of Hockey Operations” in the Detroit Red Wings – the team that chose to draft Eddie Genborg last summer.
Genborg had time to exchange a few words with him after the loss, but he isn’t sure if the visit really was for him. The only thing he knew was that Lidstrom was there – something he found out just before the game began.
“I talked to him a little bit after the game. I don’t really know, but I think it was just me who was drafted by Detroit there. It’s great that he was there,” Genborg told ST.nu.
Genborg was pleased with his efforts, and told us that he and Lidstrom talked a little about the start of the season–and about how he enjoys life in Sundsvall.
Genborg was told that Lidstrom was in place just before puck drop. In the past, Niklas Kronwall has also visited Timra to follow him. This time, Genborg tried not to put too much emphasis on one of the hockey world’s biggest names sitting in the stands.
“I try not to think about it that much. It’s just fun that he’s there and watching, but you can’t think about it too much, it probably just puts traps in your head then.”
2. Nitten.no also posted a column which discusses Michael Brandsegg-Nygard’s NHL debut:
Brandsegg-Nygård’s debut: – “I thought he was okay”
With his family, his girlfriend and other loved ones in the stands, Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, 20, made his debut as the youngest Norwegian ever in the NHL.
“This is everything for him. He’s wanted this since he was a little boy. To see him reach his goal… I get emotional just talking about it.”
Kjell Richard Nygård, his father, was interviewed during the first intermission at Little Caesars Arena, and was clearly moved to see his son on the ice wearing jersey number 28.
“Ricky” experienced his first NHL game live, and was in the stands with his wife Kathrine Brandsegg, and daughter Carmen. Michael’s girlfriend and father-in-law were also in the rink.
“I think they were okay. I don’t remember them being involved in the ‘shit,’ so to speak. Our team wasn’t very good around them, but they weren’t involved in any of our big problems,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said of his young rookies.
Living with a friend
The Red Wings took the lead, but ultimately lost 5-1 to the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL premiere on Friday night Norwegian time.
When nitten.no got a few words with Brandsegg-Nygård on Friday morning after the morning skate, he was relaxing in his hotel room with teammate Axel Sandin-Pellikka – another young debutante.
“I haven’t thought much about the fact that I’m the youngest [Norwegian] debutante, but it’s so great to be here! I’m excited and looking forward to it immensely,” the 20-year-old told nitten.no before his debut.
Are you surprised that this has happened so quickly?
“Before camp I would have been surprised, but I feel like I put in a good effort along the way. I’m going into the game with confidence and will give everything I have in the chances I get.”
Norwegian number 10
Only ten Norwegians have played NHL hockey since Bjørn “Botta” Skaare made his debut for the Red Wings in November 1978.
Another of them is Anders Myrvold – former sports director at Vålerenga, where Brandsegg-Nygård played until he left for Swedish Mora in the summer of 2022.
“Michael got involved, tried to be physical, and had few opportunities. He can’t be blamed for the late goals, but -2 is never positive,” says Myrvold to nitten.no.
Brandsegg-Nygård barely made it onto the ice for one of the Canadiens goals and was in no way involved. In total, the Oslo boy had 14:34 minutes of ice time, two shots and five hits.
