Defenseman Erik Gustafsson isn’t with the Detroit Red Wings these days, but he is assisting the growth of the organization.
The veteran Swede had three assists Saturday to spark the Grand Rapids Griffins to a 3-2 win against the Toronto Marlies. With the triumph, the Griffins (18-1-0-1) now own the third-best 20-game start in the American Hockey League’s 90-year history.
The 2004-05 Manchester Monarchs (19-1-0-0, 38 points, .950) and the 2005-06 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (18-0-2-0, 38 points, .950) are the only franchises with better 20-game starts.
It is hard to measure how much playing for a high-quality team will benefit Detroit prospects like Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Sebastian Cossa who played a significant role in Saturday’s win in Toronto. Nygard’s fifth goal of the season, breaking a 2-2 third period tie, was the game-winner. Sebastian Cossa made 23 saves.
Eduards Tralmak, a Detroit offseason European free agent signing, also scored his 11th goal of the season.
SAVE OF THE YEAR BY SEBASTIAN COSSA!!!!!!!!!!
The puck gets turned over behind the Griffins net and Cossa makes an incredible save to keep this game tied!#GoGRG #LGRW pic.twitter.com/421XNj5xb5
— Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) December 6, 2025
The Gustafsson passing skill has allowed him to post 12 assists in 13 games with Grand Rapids. Brandsegg-Nygard has 14 points in 17 games, establishing that he’s on a track to be recalled by the Red Wings.
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Late Patrick Kane goal lifts Red Wings over the Seattle Kraken.
James Van Riemsdyk scored Saturday against Seattle. That gives him six goals in his past five games. A solid offensive season from JVR could is adding secondary scoring that Detroit desperately needs.
Detroit Russian prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov will be sidelined until February.
Red Wings Extra
Defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka was minus-2 in the 4-3 win against the Seattle Kraken. He defensive development, as you would expect, lags behind his offensive skill. The young Swede is minus-five in his past three games and hasn’t recorded a plus game since Nov. 18… Detroit 2025 first round pick Carter Bear posted a goal and an assist in a lopsided win against Vancouver. He now has nine goals and six assists for 15 points in his last eight games for Everett in the Western Hockey League.
Carter Bear(1st round’25)
1 Goal 1 Assist +1 3 SOG 1st⭐️ in a 8-2 win#LGRW pic.twitter.com/So2i1fXG5J
— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) December 7, 2025
Hockey Now Network
New Jersey: Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman is reporting the Devils and Vancouver Canucks have now discussed a Quinn Hughes-to-New Jersey deal. This would allow Hughes to join his brothers Jack and Luke. New Jersey Devils.
Philadelphia: William James has the latest on injured defenseman Rasmuss Ristolainen.
San Jose: Sidney Crosby has high praise for Macklin Celebrini. San Jose Sharks.