Another day, another Detroit Red Wings farmhand allegedly preparing to make a move to Europe.

Monday, there were reports out of Czechia that Grand Rapids Griffins forward Eduards Tralmaks had agreed to terms on a five-year contract starting next season with Kladno of the Czech Extraliga.

Tuesday, speculation surfaced that another Red Wings minor leaguer with the Griffins was also planning a move to Europe for next season. Reports from Swiss Hockey News suggest that Grand Rapids defenseman Ian Mitchell will be joining SC Bern of the Swiss National League for the 2026-27 season.

Mitchell, 27, signed a one-year, one-way deal with the Red Wings in the summer, paying him $775,000 this season.

Originally selected 57th overall by Chicago in the 2017 NHL entry draft, Mitchell has played 110 NHL games with the Blackhawks and Boston Bruins. He’s spent the entirety of this season with the AHL Griffins. In 40 games with Grand Rapids, Mitchell has put up 4-13-17 totals.

Red Wings coach Todd McLellan offered praise for Mitchell’s game during the NHL preseason.

“He plays with a little bit of risk, and he’s always been that way,” McLellan said. “He’s a visionary guy. He’s
got a pretty good shot and can read and react.”

Red Wings Prospect Steps Up For Leksand

Speaking of Europe, Red Wings defense prospect Anton Johansson enjoyed a strong game in the SHL as Leksands IF humbled Djurgardens IF 5-2.

Johansson assisted on the goal that tied the score at 2-2. He later tallied a goal to complete the scoring.

Anton Johansson(4th round’22 for Leksands if)
1 Goal 1 Assist +2 2 SOG 2 PIM 2 Hits 17:42 TOI in a 5-2 win#LGRW pic.twitter.com/64t9vT59ZI

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) February 28, 2026

It was a game that featured both former Red Wings and Red Wings prospects of the past and future on both sides of the battle.

Take the opposing goalies. Filip Larsson, once a Detroit hopeful who played for the Griffins, got the win for Leksands. Former Detroit goalie Magnus Hellberg absorbed the loss for Djurgardens.

Opening the scoring in the game with his 14th goal of the season for Djurgardens was center Joe Snively. He spent the past two seasons with Grand Rapids. Snively was the leading scorer for the Griffins last season with 47 points.

Detroit Pick A Champion

Red Wings prospect Noah Dower Nilsson was in the lineup as Frolunda edged Lulea 3-2 on Tuesday in an all-Swedish Champions Hockey League final. Playing on the fourth line, Dower Nilsson logged 9:09 of ice time.

Congrats to Noah Dower Nilsson(3rd round’23) who just won the champions league #LGRW

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) March 3, 2026

Also in the Frolunda lineup was former Red Wings prospect Theodor Niederbach. Suiting up for vanquished Lulea were ex-Red Wings forward Mathias Brome and former Griffins forward Pontus Andreasson.