The rash of former Red Wings-on-former Red Wings crime is continuing in the Swedish Hockey League.

Barely a couple of weeks after ex-Red Wings forward Jakub Vrana hacked Detroit prospect Eemil Viro to the ice with a slash, Luke Witkowski and Albin Grewe clashed at the opening faceoff of a game between Brynas and Djurgarden.

Grewe, a Detroit draftee who never signed with the club, has grown into Sweden’s version of Brad Marchand, an annoying, pesky presence. Looking to neutralize the Grewe effect, Brynäs sent former Detroit tough guy Witkowski up from his defense position to the wing spot opposite Grewe on the opening draw.

“Grewe is usually a bit of a pest there, so it was fun to see Luke step up and take charge of it,” Brynäs team captain Johan Larsson told Swedish website Aftonbladet.

Powerplay Frölunda HC

Number 46

Albin Grewe

High-sticking

2 Minutes pic.twitter.com/Peg80snAa7

— ERIK|Swedish BCTWT 🇸🇪🇿🇦 (@ThRd303) January 17, 2026

Grewe’s response to Witkowski’s arrival was to drive his stick up into Witkowski’s face as the puck hit the ice on the opening faceoff.

Former Red Wings Prospect Claims Innocence

He was assessed a two-minute minor for his infraction, although Grewe feigned innocence afterward.

“It’s pretty clear what they were trying to do there,” Grewe said of putting Witkowski opposite him. “They tried to get it going from the start.

“It’s a shame the referees fell for the trap. My stick doesn’t even hit the face, so I don’t understand what kind of expulsion it really is.”

Witkowski vehemently denied he was faking it when struck by Grewe’s stick.

“It’s unfortunate,” Witkowski said. “The stick hits you in the face, that’s what it is. That happens.

“Everyone has an opinion, right? I didn’t fall. I think anyone who gets a stick in the face tries to pull their face away.”

🆕 Lär känna Luke Witkowski! 🤝

➡️ Se hela klippet på Wimt: https://t.co/ECoITxAUGw pic.twitter.com/an6j3GNuGw

— Brynäs IF (@Brynas) November 26, 2025

Witkowski also denied Grewe’s accusations that Brynäs was seeking to send a message to Grewe.

“I don’t think we played like that,” Witkowski said. “I don’t care at all what he says.

“He’s entitled to his own opinion.”

Wtikowski played 66 games for the Red Wings from 2017-19 and again in 2021-22. The Detroit Red Wings made Grewe the 66th overall selection in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.