Red Wings Rookies Not Any Cause For Concern

Three games into the NHL season, coach Todd McLellan is still viewing his Detroit Red Wings as a work in progress.

“Obviously, our team has work to do,” McLellan said following Monday’s 3-2 win at Toronto. “Even after the game against Toronto the other night where I thought we played a real good game (in a 6-3 win), we have work to do.

“We’re still evolving.”

One facet they have quickly learned about their squad, though, is that the kids are doing alright.

“Playing three 20-year-olds in key situations, they’re going to gain some experience,” McLellan said.

Each among defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka, and forwards Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Emmitt Finnie isn’t merely holding their own as NHL newcomers. In many instances, they are setting the tone.

“We feel 100% comfortable playing those kids right now,” McLellan said. “I hope that it continues that way, but they’ve earned our trust, and we feel good about putting them out.”

It's Game 3 and Emmitt Finnie still looks he belongs. #LGRW #NHL pic.twitter.com/FgRpjiRqai

— Alexander Noah (@Wolffman96) October 13, 2025

Finnie’s pace and tenacity on the forecheck are making him an asset on Detroit’s top line.

“He’s not fazed one bit,” linemate Lucas Raymond said. “He plays this game with his speed.”

MBN’s NHL-caliber shot and physical presence are delivering elements that the team is lacking. Sandin Pellikka’s ability to think the game is a notch above the vast majority of his teammates.

Red Wings Will Allow Rookies To Learn From Mistakes

That experience the kids are gaining will sometimes come with a cost. Toronto’s tying goal on Monday resulted from a slow clearance by Sandin Pellikka that led to a defensive zone turnover.

As Swede as some cranberry sauce 😮‍💨 @SportsOnPrimeCA @OREO | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/41L1EwvEtL

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 13, 2025

Later in the game, in a similar situation, ASP successfully got the puck out of the zone. That trait was evident in his game when Sandin Pellikka was in Grand Rapids late last season.

“He’s a kid that once it happens once, it doesn’t happen again,” Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson said.

When it does happen, McLellan isn’t going to push the panic button.

“If a mistake occurs, we can live with that, ” McLellan said. That’s what we coach for. We’ll help you fix it.

“You have teammates around you that’ll protect you in certain situations from mistakes. Just go play.”

MBN Will Eventually Be A Scorer

Brandsegg-Nygard displays all the traits of someone who will ultimately be a regular contributor in the goal-scoring department. His powerful, accurate show and quick release are at an elite level. He also possesses an innate knack for finding seams in the goal-scoring areas.

He’s got a real good, heavy shot that’s fairly accurate,” McLellan said.

His physical play is another factor that makes MBN a valuable member of the Red Wings

“He’s a heavy body, but heavy on his stick, too,” McLellan said. “He wins a lot of stick battles to keep plays alive.”