Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, William Wallinder, Sebastian Cossa, Michal Postava, Amadeus Lombardi and a few others are auditioning for a role on the Detroit Red Wings as much as they are competing in the AHL playoffs starting today in Manitoba (3 p.m. against the Manitoba Moose).
The Griffins’ primary mission is an extended run in the AHL playoffs, but everyone understands that GM Steve Yzerman will be watching the postseason with the hope of seeing players who ready to help the Red Wings next season.
The goaltenders will be major focus because Sebastian Cossa is projected to play in Detroit next season, although no one is ruling out Postava who has played impressively well this season. And the Red Wings also have Trey Augustine with the potential for a mercurial rise to the show.
Brandsegg-Nygard may get special focus because he has both a scoring knack and a physical presence. He may fit into the Red Wings desire for more players who are hard to play against.
This will also be the Red Wings’ first extended look at forwards Dylan James, Jesse Kiiskinen and Eddie Gensborg. Swede Gensborg offers a physical presence.
The Griffins will play Saturday and Sunday on the road and then return to Grand Rapids for Game 3 on Wednesday, and Friday and Saturday if needed.
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Former Red Wings defenseman Filip Hronek injured preparing for World Championships
Max Smith lays out how important Detroit’s second line is to the team’s success.
It won’t be easy, but the Red Wings must land a center this offseason.
Red Wings Extra
Detroit goalie prospect Rudy Guimond (169th, 2023) made 22 saves in the Moncton Wildcats’ 6-2 win against Blainville-Boisbriand, Armada. That gives the Wildcats a 3-2 lead in the QMJHL best-of-seven series. . . Red Wings prospect Brent Solomon scored a first period goal to help the Sioux Falls Stampede down the Fargo Force 6-2 in Game 1 of their USHL playoff series. Solomon boasts four goals and five points in six playoff games.
Brent Solomon(4th round’25)
GOAL🚨
Good chance on the backhand but can’t get it to go. Gets to the net and buries a bouncing puck. Good pass but Solomon still has a bit to do with the bouncing puck#LGRW pic.twitter.com/K7wlxUCtUD
— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) May 2, 2026
Hockey Now Digest
Boston: Jack Studley explains what happened to the Bruins against Buffalo. Boston Bruins.
Chicago: Connor Bedard isn’t going to play for Canada at the World Championships. Chicago Blackhawks.
Colorado: Game 1 of Wild vs. Avalanche is Sunday. Colorado Avalanche.
Montreal: Marc Dumont looks at what’s been holding back Montreal’s first line. Montreal Canadiens.
Pittsburgh: Center Evgeni Malkin says he will play for another team if Penguins don’t re-sign him. Pittsburgh Penguins.