It’s the moment so many of us have been waiting for. The Red Wings announced Tuesday afternoon that forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygård and defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins from Skellefteå AIK of the Swedish Hockey League.
ASP and MBN, as they are known among Red Wings fans, are two of Steve Yzerman’s most-recent first-round selections — ASP was taken 17th overall in 2023, while MBN was pick no. 15 in 2024. Both are already signed to entry-level contracts.
MBN only notched 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 42 games, but was considered one of the top-10 U20 skaters in the SHL. The six-foot-one 206-pounder appeared in 11 playoff games and scored six points (4 goals, 2 assists). Watching him this season, he plays physical, hard-nose hockey and has an absolute cannon of a shot.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka was one of the best young defenseman in the SHL, and has been in back-to-back seasons — ASP’s 12 goals and 29 points were the most of any under-21 skater in the league in fact. He followed that up with seven points in 14 playoff games. He has a list of impressive accolades, probably too many to list here. Sandin-Pellikka has totaled 52 points (24-28-52) in 107 SHL games since 2022-23. This guy has all the tools to be the next great offensive defenseman in the NHL.
ASP and MBN arrive in North America as the Red Wings season is wrapping up without a playoff berth, but to the contrary for their AHL affiliate. This means we likely will not see either of them suit up in Detroit’s final few games, which is kind of a bummer! I digress, both Euro-stars join the Griffins as they ramp up for the postseason. GR has three games left on the schedule starting tomorrow night. Unfortunately for fans, the Griffins have played their final home game of the season. I would expect both players will need some practice time on North American ice.
If you’re not privy to paying to stream AHL games, there are some good accounts on Twitter/X/whatever that keep tabs on both players highlights included:
