Red Wings beat writer Ansar Khan examines whether Detroit’s waiver-exempt players might make the team coming out of this fall’s training camp:
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
He wasn’t ready for the NHL last season but should be this year after a strong season in Grand Rapids (20 goals, 44 points in 60 games). He stepped up in the AHL playoffs (four goals, eight points in eight playoff games). He joined Norway midway through the World Championship and helped the nation win its first medal by beating Canada for the bronze (three goals, three assists in five games). The No. 15 pick in 2024 plays a heavy game and should fit in on the Red Wings’ third line.
Michal Postava
After a strong regular season (17-6-0, 1.79 goals-against average, .937 save percentage) as Sebastian Cossa’s backup, this AHL rookie took over the reins in the postseason and acquitted himself well (4-4, 2.09 GAA, .912 save percentage). He’ll start as the No. 1 in Grand Rapids after Detroit signed veteran Daniil Tarasov to back-up John Gibson. But the Red Wings would feel comfortable with Postava as their No. 2 if needed.
Nate Danielson
The Red Wings’ lack of depth at center, depending on how Dylan Larkin’s situation is resolved, could create an opportunity for Danielson in the bottom six. He might have been the fourth rookie to make Detroit’s season-opening roster last season if not for an injury in training camp. But, like Brandsegg-Nygard, Danielson (ninth overall pick in 2023) wasn’t NHL-ready (two goals, seven points in 28 games with the Red Wings). He was sent back to the Griffins where an injury ended his season on Feb. 18.
Continued; Khan believes that Axel Sandin Pellikka and Carter Bear will need more time in Grand Rapids for professional seasoning.
