Red Wings Draft Prospectus: Gritty Forward Can Be First Norwegian First Rounder (+)

The first round of the NHL entry draft is to take place today in Las Vegas. At 15th overall, the Detroit Red Wings will be making their first-round selection. Based on talking to scouts, GMs and other hockey people, as well as studying the mock drafts of top NHL draft experts, Detroit Hockey Now is looking at players who could potentially be Detroit’s selection. Today, we look at Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, a Norwegian forward playing in the Swedish Hockey League

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

Two-way forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard can make Norwegian hockey history if he can land in the first round of the NHL draft. No Norwegian player has previously gone higher than 42nd in the NHL draft.

“Michael is one of the best prospects from Norway for years,” NHL director of European Scouting Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen told NHL.com. “He makes good decisions with the puck and can see the ice very well. Looks very confident and poised with the puck. He is strong on his skates and has fair first-step quickness. He has smooth hands and his wrister is dangerous.”