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Detroit Red Wings top prospect rejects Steve Yzerman's plans, moves overseas for 2024
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, the Detroit Red Wings first-round pick in the latest NHL draft, has refused to play in the AHL and will instead head home to play hockey
It's never a good thing when a young prospect rejects the plans you have for him, but that's exactly what Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is facing with one of his players. A report from Norran.se out of Sweden states Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has said no to playing in the AHL, and is heading back home.
The Detroit Red Wings signed Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to a three-year entry level contract shortly after selecting him 15th overall in the latest NHL entry draft. Norran states Steve Yzerman wanted Brandsegg-Nygard to play with Grand Rapids in the AHL this season, but he refused.
"...Red Wings brass expressed a preference for him to play in Grand Rapids, while Brandsegg-Nygård himself expressed a strong preference to play in Sweden, citing the fact that playing in a league where winning matters would be developmentally beneficial." - The Hockey News
While it is widely known that the main focus of the AHL is player development over winning, this is usually a complaint of older hockey players who decide to go to league's like the KHL in Russia where winning is the focus instead of getting ice-time for young, developing players. Regardless, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard's request has been granted, and he will play for Skellefteå AIK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) this season.
At 19 years of age, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard still has plenty of time to develop into the kind of player the Detroit Red Wings need. The refusal to play in the AHL is a risky stance for someone just drafted into the organization, though. Hopefully we'll see him back in Michigan next year.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 8 | 201 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings top prospect rejects Steve Yzerman's plans, moves overseas for 2024 Do you think Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is doing the right thing by insisting on playing in Sweden instead of the AHL? | ||
| Yes | 92 | 45.8 % |
| No | 75 | 37.3 % |
| Not sure | 34 | 16.9 % |
| List of polls | ||