While Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan expressed some dissatisfaction with the play of some of his veterans, the youngsters continue to make their cases for a role with the team.

In Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Chicago, winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard scored a goal. Defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka dished out an assist.

Let’s look at where each member of the Red Wings kiddie corps is in terms of earning a spot in the show.

Brandsegg-Nygard Can Shoot The Puck

The Norwegian clearly is equipped with an NHL shot and an NHL-caliber release. “I think he’s got a real good, heavy shot that’s fairly accurate,” McLellan said.

Brandsegg-Nygard has also proven to be a quick study. He tends to grasp new concepts rapidly and then implements them into his game. He says it’s a trait life has forced him to develop while moving up the hockey ladder.

Larks to MBN. 🤌 pic.twitter.com/3BYuGUMvBl

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 1, 2025

“I feel like I’ve just been used to it because I moved to Sweden when I was young, like 16, and then I played there two years,” he said. “Then the new team (Mora) and then here last year, and then back to a new team (Skelleftea) again, and then GR and then here.

“So I feel like I’m just used to it, but I mean, just trying to play my best every time.”

Like a lot of young players, sometimes Brandsegg-Nygard gets caught watching the play unfold and stops his motion on the ice.

“It’s hard to always keep those legs moving, but that’s something that he’ll have to work on,” McLellan said. “I’ll tell him that too. But he’s well on his way to becoming a real good player.”

Red Wings Fond of Sandin Pellikka’s Game

Similar to MBN, ASP also seems to figure things out rather quickly.

“He seems to be getting better as it goes along,” McLellan said.

Offensively, Sandin Pellikka is already at an NHL level.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka Preseason Game 6 Mixtape Vs Chicago #LGRW

1 Assist, +1, 23:28 TOI, 2 Shots, 1 hit, 3 Blocked Shots pic.twitter.com/U7sQBbgpS3

— The Wings Wagon (@TheWingsWagon) October 1, 2025

“Incredible vision on the blue line and real deception, the ability to hold and then release the puck,” McLellan said. “I don’t think anybody, including his teammates, knows if he’s going to shoot or to pass it, which is a real good thing.

“So, yeah, we’re just anxiously watching him get better night after night. He’s starting to adapt.”

Defensively, ASP still has his struggles without the puck. The pace of the game at times appears to overwhelm his thought process, and he’s overcome by indecision.

It won’t harm his long-term development if Sandin Pellikka were to begin the campaign with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins while he works out those little kinks.

Is Finnie Fading?

The excitement generated by Emmitt Finnie during this NHL preseason is palpable. His speed, his 200-foot game, and his hockey IQ are off the charts.

“Emmitt’s earned his keep thus far,” McLellan said.

In the past two games, though, Finnie’s level of play has slipped.

“There’s others that are pushing too now and then,” McLellan said. “It’s beginning to get weeded out. And when I say weeded out, it doesn’t mean that individuals that don’t start here will never play here. They just need a little bit of time.

“They need some experience, so that’s really important for those players eventually to understand. Emmitt could be one of those guys. I don’t know.

“We have to continue to play games, but there’s still a group that we’re looking at and trying to figure it out.”