What to Count on from Michael Brandsegg-Nygard in Coaching Camp

It is uncommon for a hockey participant in Sweden to get a two-week break to attend an NHL coaching camp. Swedish Hockey League golf equipment hardly ever let a high-caliber participant take an absence in the beginning of the season, particularly when the break would possibly flip right into a for much longer go away. But, that is precisely what Skelleftea AIK is permitting Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to do that month.

After a robust SHL preseason, Olympic Qualifying match and Champions Hockey League slate to start out his 2024-25 season, Brandsegg-Nygard is placing his European season on maintain for a pair weeks to attend the Crimson Wings’ prospect match and coaching camp in Traverse Metropolis. It is a possibility for the fifteenth general choose within the 2024 draft to indicate how he stacks up in opposition to professional competitors, in addition to the place he matches in Detroit’s general system.

Given the rarity of such a scenario as Brandsegg-Nygard’s, it is exhausting to outline what precisely one ought to anticipate from him. Whereas he has an opportunity to make the NHL roster at this camp, the probability of him doing so is not very excessive given the established NHLers Detroit has beneath contract. But, contemplating Brandsegg-Nygard is already beneath contract in Sweden on a championship-defending Skelleftea workforce, Detroit bringing him over signifies that there’s some general goal to this coaching camp look.

So far as the that means of his coaching camp look, there’s an opportunity {that a} sturdy exhibiting might give Brandsegg-Nygard a possibility to play in a greater league than the SHL — even when the NHL spots are spoken for, he might earn an AHL roster spot if he performs nicely in camp. On the AHL stage, his checking and shot would nonetheless be helpful whereas permitting him to acclimate to North American play types. He might additionally add some depth to a Grand Rapids roster that’s aiming at playoff success later within the season. If Brandsegg-Nygard earns this chance, that might be an encouraging signal for each him and the Crimson Wings group as a complete.

As one of many extra pro-ready prospects in his draft class, Brandsegg-Nygard’s forechecking means and robust shot ought to maintain up in opposition to established professionals he is competing in opposition to. He even confirmed the effectiveness of these expertise in his SHL appearances to this point this preseason and season, jamming opponents with physique checks and scoring a handful of targets.

Now, it is essential to notice that there is an obvious expertise hole between Sweden and the NHL. Simply because he performs nicely within the SHL doesn’t suggest he’ll mechanically thrive throughout coaching camp. However that therein reveals one more reason why this camp is so essential for him: it is as a lot an academic discipline journey as it’s a job interview.

At this level in his profession, an 18-year-old Brandsegg-Nygard is not being hurried to succeed in the NHL stage. Detroit is thought for taking a affected person strategy to its prospects beneath common supervisor Steve Yzerman, and that is very true for gamers the membership simply drafted just a few months in the past. By inviting Brandsegg-Nygard to Traverse Metropolis, he will get to check out with out stakes, exhibiting him the expectations of the long run with out judging him by them. And even when he winds up heading again to Sweden on the finish of camp and preseason, he is no step behind the place he was already at in taking part in for Skelleftea. That is really a situation the place he and Detroit are taking part in with home cash.

This month’s prospect match and coaching camp are huge alternatives for Brandsegg-Nygard, whatever the stakes or lack thereof. Given the rarity of such a possibility, the Crimson Wings and their latest draft choose are in an amazing place. Even when one cannot anticipate him to make the NHL roster outright and even assure an AHL spot, Brandsegg-Nygard stands to realize from this expertise regardless of how — or the place — the chance goes.

Additionally from THN Detroit

What’s Next for Simon Edvinsson?

Sandin Pellika Hurt, Brandsegg-Nygard Shines in Champions Hockey League Opener

Where Do Copp and Compher Fit in for the Red Wings?

Report: Seider Set for Bigger Contract than Raymond

What Is Tarasenko’s Ideal Role in Detroit?

Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider Training Together in Germany

3 Breakout Candidates for the Red Wings this Season

Seider, Raymond, and Training Camp Looms: The Silky Mitten State Episode 37