Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, the Detroit Red Wings’ 2024 first-round pick, has signed an entry-level contract, raising questions about where he will play next season.
The Detroit Red Wings have recently signed their top pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Level Draft to an entry-level contract (ELC). The rapid signing indicates that forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard could play in North America as early as this season, depending on how he performs for the Red Wings during training camp.
The move comes as a surprise, since many expected Brandsegg-Nygard to play in the Swedish Hockey League with Skelleftea AIK, with whom he inked a deal in May. In addition to signing his ELC, Brandsegg-Nygard received an invitation to the Red Wings training camp.
According to The Hockey News, during a recent interview with Norwegian source Nitten, Brandsegg-Nygard stated that he would attend training camp, with Detroit offering him a shot to make the NHL squad just months after drafting him. If he does not wind up in Detroit, the decision on where he plays next season will be between Grand Rapids and Skelleftea AIK, which he and the Red Wings organization will determine.
The Detroit Red Wings’ latest first-round choice might play in North America as early as this season.
Despite Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman’s preference, Brandsegg-Nygard, who was drafted 15th overall in June, may be able to join the NHL roster as an 18-year-old this fall. Yzerman often like to watch his prospects marinade or, as some would say, overcook overseas or in the AHL. There have been a few outliers, of course, including Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. I am not assuming Brandsegg-Nygard will have the same impact Raymond did right from the start, but it appears that the Detroit Red Wings believe their most recent first-round pick is a bit further along.
Last season, the Oslo, Norway native played 41 games with Mora IK in the Swedish Hockey League, scoring eight goals and adding 18 points. The teenage playmaker erupted in the postseason, scoring four goals and ten points in only 12 games. He was a plus-3 during the regular season and had 19 penalty minutes. Brandsegg-Nygard was promoted from Mora IK’s junior club early last season after scoring five goals and twelve points in seven games.
There is one fairly intriguing side to all of this: if Brandsegg-Nygard does not stay in North America this fall, he will play for the same team as 2023 first-round pick Axel Sandin Pellikka, one of Detroit’s best defense prospects.
