One thing is for sure. The Detroit Red Wings are giving an opportunity to three prospects who outplayed half of the veteran roster during the preseason. Forwards Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Emmitt Finnie, along with defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka, have been given the green light on their NHL careers and will be in the lineup for the season opener. This is a big risk, but they were three of Detroit's best players in training camp.
Let us meet the young guns
Sandin-Pellikka was the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and adjusted to the style of game in America quite well. Last season, the 5-foot-11 and 176-pound Sandin-Pellikka had a cup of coffee with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL) to get him adjusted to the smaller ice surface. He got used to it quickly and showed why he belonged in the NHL. He is considered a future power play quarterback and is now better in all three zones. An offensive defenseman, he has made great strides to be smarter in his decision-making and is still developing to become a top-tier defenseman in the league.
Brandsegg-Nygard was the most impressive of the three in training camp and preseason. The 6-foot-1 and 198-pound forward was chosen 15th overall in 2024 and has risen to the top of the pro gamme rather quickly. Already boasting an NHL shot, he tied for the lead in postseason goals (4) and points (7). A legit top-six forward, he is a shoot-first player who also plays with grit. He is a welcome addition who should do quite well this season.
Finnie was the talk of the preseason for the Red Wings but had a quiet last week of the preseason. Although he struggled a bit, he did outperform a number of players to earn a spot on opening night.The 6-foot and 170-pound Finnie was a seventh-round pick (No. 201) in the 2023 NHL Draft and the fact that he made the team out of training camp is a tremendous feat.
While his role is still unknown, Finnie did play on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond during preseason. He was rewarded with a roster spot after an extremely impressive preseason and his dedication and motivation to become a better player. A point producing forward, he has already accomplished so much in such a short amount of time so the future is bright for the young player.
This is the first time since the 2018-19 season that three rookies made the team out of training camp (Dennis Cholowski, Michael Rasmussen, and Filip Hronek). This is also the first time under the Steve Yzerman era. These rookies may make or break the season for the Red Wings.