Patience and Promise for Red Wings First-Round Pick

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, the Red Wings 2024 first round draft pick, has been a source of fascination for Detroit fans since he and the organization made the unconventional choice of attending preseason in the SHL, then joining the Red Wings for their camp.

After the Red & White game that concludes the team's training camp in Traverse City, coach Derek Lalonde established expectations around the young Norwegian winger by pointing out that he is just beginning what will likely be a somewhat extended journey. "I mentioned this the other day," Lalonde said. "He still battles with the language barrier, which is real. And I think North American hockey is a little bit of an adjustment, a little [less] time and space probably than he's used to, but I thought he did very well and improved as the camp went on. Obviously, you'll get some preseason games here. It'll be important."

That comment from Lalonde is by no means a slight to Brandsegg-Nygard's game or potential, but rather a reminder that his success won't be instantaneous. Still, it's impossible to watch Detroit practice without occasionally marveling at the shot and physicality intrinsic to Brandsegg-Nygard's game. He is constantly scoring goals, the pop of his shot is heavy, and he's using rugged means to get the chance to deploy the shot. As Joe Veleno (who has spent game and practice time on a line with Brandsegg-Nygard) quipped over the weekend, he is "built pretty thick. He's a thick boy, can move really well, can definitely shoot the puck. It's one thing I've really noticed."

There's clearly refinement to do, and ideally Brandsegg-Nygard would take some strides to improve his skating, but it's also somewhat clear he could be an impact player, at least at the AHL level, today. The question then becomes whether he and the organization decide to go the AHL route or stick with the original SHL plan.

On the most recent episode of The Silky Mitten State, Connor Earegood and I discussed this dynamic, Lalonde's comments, and Brandsegg-Nygard's next steps as a prospect. Check out a sample of our conversation in the video above, then listen to the full show on Spotify or Apple Po

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