The Detroit Red Wings should be the long-term beneficiary of the Grand Rapids Griffins’ incredible start to the 2025-26 NHL season.

John Leonard scored his 14th goal of the season, Eduards Tralmaks added his 10th, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard added two more assists and Carter Gylander was solid in net again to spark the Griffins to a 3-2 win Friday against the Iowa Wild. The triumph lifted the Grand Rapids to an AHL-best record of 15-1-0-1.

Tralmaks and Leonard were both veteran free agents, signed by the Red Wings in the offseason. Leonard totaled 44 goals last season in the AHL regular-season and playoffs. Latvian Tralmaks is coming off a strong offensive season in the Czech League. Their play this season should earn them a shot at the NHL level.

EDDIE GOT GOAL 🚨 pic.twitter.com/eddW3RFmVI

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) November 29, 2025

Brandsegg-Nygard (15th, 2024) now has 11 points in 12 games, making his case to be recalled by the Red Wings. Carter Gylander’s 4-0-1 start certainly strengthened his case to be considered a climbing Detroit prospect.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Plenty of Red Wing’ connections on the list of highest-paid American Hockey League players. 

Paywall story: When should the Red Wings bring back Brandsegg-Nygard? To subscribe, click here: To take advantage of our 50% Black Friday offer, use the code: BLACKFRIDAY.

 

Red Wings Extra

Carter Bear remains white hot. The feisty WHL standout generated a goal and an assist in a 6-0 win against the Swift Current Broncos to give him seven goals and 11 points in the last four games of the Everett Silvertips.

Carter Bear(1st round’25)
Goal🚨
When you’re hot you’re hot. Bear gets a bit of luck on this one. He’s got 7 goals in his last 4gp and his second point of the night. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/F8s6MWymMi

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) November 29, 2025

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