As intriguing as Carter Bear’s scoring splurge has been for the Detroit Red Wings, the Michael Brandsegg-Nygard recent surge is far more important to the organization because he’s doing it against professional competition.

Brandsegg-Nygard posted a goal and two assists Wednesday night to spearhead the Grand Rapids Griffins’ 7-3 home win against the Rockford IceHogs. It was his second consecutive three-point game. The Norwegian winger has eight goals in his past seven games while playing a physical game.

He looks very much like a young player who might be able to help the Red Wings create more five-on-five goals. He has a quick release, heavy shot and strong instincts around the net. Brandsegg-Nygard can score off the rush.

Other important developments: Carter Mazur returned the lineup after missing 48 games with injury. He had a goal and an assist and was named the game’s No. 2 star. John Leonard also returned to the lineup after missing too many games. He could be a factor for the Red Wings later in the season.

Also, Amadeus Lombardi scored his 12th goal and ran his point streak to six games. He is definitely in the Red Wings’ plans, although it may not be this season

Red Wings In Case You Missed It.

Goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa is with the Red Wings, but will he get a game before he returns to Grand Rapids?

Bob Duff writes the Red Wings are much improved, but the loss to Vegas reminds us that there’s still much work to do.

How the Vegas Golden Knights came-from-behind to beat the Red Wings.

Red Wings Extra

With Czechia goalie Michal Postava, 24, still working on his MEnglish, he might not yet have the ability to make a case about his NHL potential. But it doesn’t matter because he’s performance level for the Griffins is speaking for itself. He made 36 saves Wednesday to contribute to the Grand Rapids’ 7-3 win against the Rockford IceHogs. Postava, signed last summer as a free agent, has been quite effective in his first North American season. He has better numbers (11-4-0, 1.88 GAA and .934 save percentage) than Sebastian Cossa in a smaller sample size. . . The Red Wings are looking for a right-shot defenseman, but Swede Oliver Ekman-Larsson is a left-shot who is comfortable playing the right side. He’s had a good season in Toronto and he’s a puck possession defender. Could he be a good fit for Detroit?

Hockey Now Digest

Boston: Bruins prospect Andre Gasseau (Boston College) plans to turn pro with the Boston Bruins  

New Jersey: Defenseman Simon Nemec seems to be on the market. Many teams are interested in the young defenseman. New Jersey Devils.

Philadelphia: William James looks at how the recent NHL trades impact the market for Philadelphia defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. Philadelphia Flyers. 

San Jose: The Sharks now own the Edmonton Oilers 2026 first round draft pick. It’s unprotected. Sheng Peng has the details. San Jose Sharks.