Red Wings Sweep Dallas in Prospect Series; Suffer Minor Injuries

TRAVERSE CITY– Detroit Red Wings 2024 first-round pick Michael Brandsegg-Nygard didn’t play against the Dallas Stars Sunday because of a “slight tweek” of his groin.

The Red Wings won the game, 3-2 on goals by Alexandre Doucet, Emmitt Finnie and Hunter Johannes. Detroit swept the two-game NHL Prospect series against Dallas. Doucet had three goals and an assist in the two games.

Brandsegg-Nygard looked impressive, registering an assist, playing on Detroit’s top line, in a 5-1 win against Dallas Saturday in Game 1 of their two-game prospect series.

“It’s not bad at all, I don’t know what the number scale is, but there’s no sense in risking it with a quick turnaround,” Detroit Director of Player Development Dan Cleary said.

Cleary expects the Norwegian left wing  to be ready for the start of training Camp Thursday in Traverse City. Red Wings prospect defenseman Shea Buium (36th, 2021) left Game 2 with a lower leg injury and was being evaluated. Coach Dan Watson said the hope is he would be ready for training camp as well.

There’s been considerable talk about whether the physically mature Brandsegg-Nygard has a chance to make the Detroit roster this season. He is signed to play for Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League if the Red Wings don’t keep in him in North America.

Yzerman’s Call

“Steve (Yzerman) obviously is ultimately going to make that decision. But to some degree, Michael will also make that decision,” Cleary said. “It’s going to be a great experience for him, either which way, He was in Skelleftea, just prior to coming here. So I don’t know. We’ll see how it goes. Obviously, he’s going to play some preseason games and get a feel. We’re just gonna sit back and watch.”

Brandsegg-Nygard’s game is advanced for someone his age. Norway used him at the World Championships, playing him on a line with NHLer Mats Zuccarello 

“He’s a really strong kid,” Cleary said. ” Obviously, physically, he’s certainly not 18 years old, so he’s fit, he’s in good shape. But the small ice certainly is going to be something that I think he’ll benefit from. He’s got a wicked shot and release timing, and he’s strong enough to win those 50/50 battles to get loose in front. I’m really excited to see him play. I thought he looked real solid yesterday, as did a lot of other guys.”