Red Wings Berggren Opens up in Swedish Interview

Watching Detroit Red Wings hopeful Jonatan Berggren during last spring’s Calder Cup playoff run with the Grand Rapids Griffins, he was doing everything right.

On the ice, he was a sensation. Off the ice, he was biting his tongue and biding his time.

Watching his body language as he did interviews, it was evident that Berggren knew he shouldn’t be playing in the AHL. You only needed to look at his NHL numbers to recognize that fact.

In 79 NHL games, he’s scored 17 goals.

Even Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde came close to admitting that the club probably probably kept Berggren down too long.

“He did a really good job in a really tough situation last year,” Lalonde said. “I’ll never say anyone’s played themselves out of the American Hockey League. It’s just too good of a league. But he’s proven, or maybe more it’s he’s earned this opportunity (to be in the NHL).”

Jonatan Berggren opens up about last season and current status🧵https://t.co/sV9AaRNbVF

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During an interview with writer Uffe Bodin of Hockeynews.se, Berggren as much was confirming that was his feeling as he waited for his time in Detroit to become a permanent arrangement.

“It was a bit of a messy season, I won’t lie,” Berggren told Bodin. “A lot of up and down, living in a hotel, living in my car almost and going back and forth.

“It was both educational and tough.”

Red Wings Berggren Talks Contract, Trade Rumors

The mantra to professional athletes is to control what they can control, and that’s the approach Berggren was doing his best to take last season. But he admits, it was a bumpy ride at times.

“Of course [I’m disappointed],” he said. “That’s the thing, everyone wants to play in the NHL. I think I contributed when I was up there and got my minutes. I did what I could.

“Outside of that it’s not in my own hands. It’s business.”

While no player strives to make a career of it in the AHL, Berggren spoke with nothing but praise of his time in Grand Rapids.

Jonatan Berggren makes it 2-1 pic.twitter.com/6Mgn2yQw21

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“I guess it’s a strength to not just lie down and die, kind of,” Berggren said. “That’s easy to do. It was hard, but the guys we had, we had an incredibly fun team. A lot of Swedes and many I’ve played with for almost two seasons.

“The city’s awesome, too. On the ice it’s been a really fun season. Now the goal is to take the next step and stay in the NHL.”

NHL Awaits Berggren

Since he’s out of options and can’t be sent to the minors without first passing through NHL waivers, Berggren will be playing for the Red Wings this season on a full-time basis. For that to happen, though, he must first sign a contract.

A restricted free agent, Berggren’s agent is negotiating a new deal with the Red Wings. He isn’t showing any signs of worry about this situation playing out successfully.

“Contractually it’s pretty clear what makes sense,” Berggren said. “It just takes some time. I’m not thinking too much about that, that’s what you have an agent for and they handle it.

“They get in touch every now and then when something new develops. For me it’s just about waiting. I feel like Detroit wants me, so hopefully we sort out a contract before training camp.”

Berggren believes that his NHL chance will be coming in Detroit. But yes, he’s heard his name bandying about in trade rumors.

“You never want to say for certain, but I’ve only talked to Detroit and they have my rights,” Berggren said. “I’ve had talks with them and the coach and everyone.

“The feeling is positive.”