The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed a post-practice notebook which focuses on Red Wings prospect forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard today, discussing the young man’s increased confidence, physicality and finishing skills as “MBN” prepares for his second NHL campaign:
“I feel much more confident,” Brandsegg-Nygard said. “Last year I didn’t really expect to make the team. This year I have a goal to make the team, and that’s what I’ve been focusing and working on the whole summer.”
Brandsegg-Nygard actually made the Wings’ opening-night roster last season but after nine games, his performance sagged and confidence appeared to wane.
But Brandsegg-Nygard scored 20 goals in Grand Rapids, prompting another late-season callup to the Wings. All told, he had one point (an assist) in 14 NHL games.
“His entry into North American hockey, like real intense North American hockey, was at the NHL level and it started well,” McLellan said. “But we could see that we probably weren’t going to get him what he needed to develop. We brought him back later in the year and that return stint had already shown or proved to us that he was physically more engaged, and more confident in where he was going on the ice to get the puck. He didn’t defer to somebody else for shots. He’s got a great shot and he used it.”
Coach McLellan also says that Brandsegg-Nygard is more outgoing this time around:
“Last year when I said good morning to him, he would kind of put his head down,” McLellan said. “Now he’s willing to talk and have a conversation. He knows teammates, knows trainers, knows the system and the structure. He’s one year stronger, physically and mentally. He should be as confident as he’s ever been.”
