Brandsegg-Nygard Impresses in Red Wings’ Prospect Game Debut

TRAVERSE CITY– The Detroit Red Wings knew it wouldn’t take long for Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to establish his presence in their two-game NHL Prospect Series against the Dallas Stars.

But they probably didn’t foresee it taking only three seconds.

That’s how long the Norwegian winger (drafted 15th, 2024) needed to race down the ice after the opening faceoff to hammer Dallas defenseman Luke Krys behind the net. The Red Wings drafted him with the idea that he will mature into a top six scoring forward. But when you watch him play, it’s clear he’s a full service performer. He showed that in the Red Wings’ 5-1 win in Game 1 of the series. The two teams will play again Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

“He’s a big body, plays heavy,” Red Wings coach Dan Watson said.

Brandsegg-Nygard, who played for his native Norway in last spring at the World Championships, has more poise than you would expect for a teenager. There’s still much to learn, but there’s no panic in him.

“I thought he had a good game,” Red Wings coach Dan Watson said. “I thought he made some really smart plays, especially that one in a third. Good patience coming out of our zone. Made a cross ice pass tape to tape to someone in stride. He’s physical in the right spots.”

Shot a Game-Changer

Watson had a instant recommendation for Brandsegg-Nygard, based on the idea that he needs to take advantage of his best skill.

“One thing I’d like to see him do is get open, try to get some more opportunities to shoot the puck,” Watson said. “He has an absolute bomb and we have to do a good job or a better job of trying to find him some more opportunities to shoot that puck.”

It’s hard not to notice that Brandsegg-Nygard can be a long-range bomber.

“The first thing that pops is that shot,” teammate Amadeus Lombardi said, “especially off the left side, his one-timer side.”

It’s a wicked drive, aided by a quick release. He wired a shot in the third period that earned him an assist on a goal by Jakub Rychlovsky, the Czech free agent acquisition.

“There’s probably an adjustment from the big ice to small ice. I think that gets talked about all, all the time, just some wall play early on,” Watson said. “But then he figured it out quick, which means he’s a smart player. So I liked his game here tonight.”