FloHockey’s Chris Peters examines AHL graduates who should make a strong impact upon the NHL, and Peters includes Red Wings rookie (yes, he’s still technically a rookie) Michael Brandsegg-Nygard on his list:

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW, Detroit Red Wings

You knew it probably wouldn’t take MBN long to acclimate to North America. While his early NHL stint wasn’t productive, his performance in the AHL was exemplary. He had 44 points in 60 games including 20 goals and showed the strong, physical two-way game that got him drafted in the first round.

It looks like he’ll stick with the Red Wings long-term, filling a need in the middle six where he can play an energetic style with some good secondary scoring.

Continued, with some praise for ex-Red Wing Sebastian Cossa as well…

And Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis suggests that Brandsegg-Nygard might have what it takes to at least earn an outside shot at winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie player:

15. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW, 20 (Detroit Red Wings)

It might be tough to be a Red Wings fan right now, but the young guard is coming and giving the team something to get excited about. Back in May, Brandsegg-Nygård helped Norway win bronze at the World Championship, capping off an excellent first year with the AHL’s Grand Rapids. He proved he could dominate shifts with his two-way game and his excellent release, and his off-puck game is already so established for a player his age. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound winger is as competitive as they come, and he showed that during his 14-game run with the big club last season. Brandsegg-Nygård will definitely have a shot to spend the year in Red Wings’ bottom six.

Ellis also continues, and mentions Cossa in his rankings…