Detroit Red Wings Sign Brandsegg-Nygard to Entry-Level Deal

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to a 3-year/ $975,000 entry-level deal. This move comes only weeks after he was drafted 15th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. This pick made NHL history, making him the highest drafted Norwegian player.

The Detroit Red Wings and Brandsegg-Nygard have come to terms on a contract.

Brandsegg-Nygard was drafted by Detroit after successful seasons with Mora IK J20 and Mora IK. He combined to score 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points in 48 games. He has committed to play the 2024-25 season with Skelleftea AIK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

He is 18 years old and has two years of contract slide eligibility. This means if he were to play less than ten games in the NHL this season or next season, he does not use a year of his contract. While he will not be in the NHL next season, he is still out to showcase his skills and further develop his overall game. His offensive game and awareness is not at an elite level just yet, but with another year in the SHL, he can get there with the right tools around him.

His defensive game could use some fine tuning as he got better in that department but could use another season of development and play a sound defensive game.

While he is new to the Detroit organization, he is considered to be the best prospect in the pipeline. His overall game is what the Red Wings are looking for and so far he has proved himself in development camp. A little more development and consistency and he will be a regular in the Red Wings lineup sooner than later.

Offensively, Brandsegg-Nygard has the best shot of any rookies or prospects in the organization. He is a future top-six forward who will be lethal on the power play. He has a high ceiling and his potential is unmatched. His ETA in the NHL could be the 2026-07 season but he will be worth the wait. While he is not elite offensively, he has the potential to be a game-breaker in the league. His offensively production is what Lucas Raymond is today, similar size and scoring touch.

His success in the SHL this season could be one to watch as he elevates his game. Brandsegg-Nygard will be look at to contribute more offensively this season as he prepares for his NHL debut and for Skelletead AIK to push for a championship. Another season of offensive success could raise his potential, but for now the Red Wings have a gem in their organization.