Why Berggren is More Important to the Red Wings This Season

When you listen to GM Steve Yzerman discuss Jonatan Berggren, it’s clear that the Swedish forward’s lack of time in with the Detroit Red Wings last season didn’t reflect a lack of faith in his ability.

“We’re really  pleased with how he played down the stretch,” Yzerman said. “It was a tough year for him. He was up and down a little bit and probably more than he preferred. But he worked hard every time he went back to GR.”

Berggren, 24, generated 24 goals and 56 points in 53 games for the Griffins. That included seven goals and 14 points in his final 13 games of the season. He also totaled five goals and 10 points in nine playoff games.

Last season, the Red Wings took advantage of the fact that Berggren was waiver-exempt. They could send him back and forth to the minors without fear of losing him. They also had enough scoring last season. That’s changes this season.

“Feeling like this is a year for me to prove I belong in this league,” Berggren said. “So yeah, my focus on training camp is just coming with a great attitude and show them what player I am and how big of summer I had.”

It was emotionally challenging for Berggren to stay positive when he couldn’t stick with Detroit.

“It been a little bit tough. I will not lie,” Berggren said on the opening day of training camp in Traverse City.  Going up and down. Basically living in my car, me and my girlfriend. So it was. I think looking back at it, it was a grow a lot and mentally strong and stuff. …But I think it will help me in the long (run).”

The Red Wings aren’t just hoping Berggren will produce this season — they need him to produce, to be a significant offensive contributor. Daniel Sprong (18 goals), Robby Fabbri (18) and David Perron (17) were Detroit’s fifth-, sixth- and seventh-highest scoring  forwards last season. All three are gone through either a trade or free agency.

Vladimir Tarasenko will replace one of those forwards and Berggren needs to replace another.

Berggren’s career NHL numbers say he can certainly accomplish that. Over two seasons, Berggren has played 79 games (the equivalent of close to a full NHL season) and has netted 17 goals.

“He’s a smart hockey player,” Yzerman said. “He’s got good skills and it’s just the ability to do it at the NHL level. And he’s shown in some of the his call ups, brief periods that he’s called up that he has the ability and the hockey sense to play in the NHL.”

Pivotal Season

Yzerman recently reached an agreement with Berggren on a one-year contract for $825,000. Both the team and players were fine with that.

“We talked about one or two years,” Yzerman said. “Ultimately, with one player remaining unsigned, knowing what the salary cap is, probably weren’t in a position at this time to do a two-year deal… And if Jonathan goes out and has a solid season, he’s in a very good spot to renegotiate after one year. So you know what he needs to do? Just be a good hockey player in all areas of the aspects of the game, offensively, defensively.”

Berggren has been working out in Detroit lately.

 “He looks like he’s worked really hard this summer,” Yzerman said. “He’s in good shape… He’s worked hard, he’s been patient and get a good opportunity this year. Pretty confident that he’ll be a positive influence on our team.”