LAS VEGAS – The Detroit Red Wings added some offensive potential to the organization on Friday night when they selected forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygård of Norway with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL draft.
Brandsegg-Nygård is the first Norwegian selected in the first round of the NHL draft. The Oslo native has been playing in Sweden’s second league and is set to spend the 2024-25 season with Skellefteå in the top-flight Swedish Hockey League. There, he will be teammates with fellow Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka. Brandsegg-Nygård, 18 years old, is already 1.85 meters tall and weighs 93 kilos. He shoots right-footed, which is always in high demand. He is known to be a hard worker and regularly strives to make a difference.
Brandsegg-Nygård recorded eight goals and 10 assists for Mora in HockeyAllsvensken in 2023-24. However, he has a better scoring touch than his stats suggest and is the type of player whose efforts don’t necessarily show up on a scoresheet, in the way he works down low and is involved in creating offensive opportunities.
REACTION:ESPN host John Buccigross criticizes Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, chosen by the Red Wings
The event was held at Sphere, the 18,600-seat auditorium marketed for its immersive video and audio capabilities. It’s the last time all teams will be under the same roof for a draft, as the NHL next year moves to a decentralized model to allow for remote participation.
It is also the third consecutive draft in which general manager Steve Yzerman has selected a forward in the first round, following the selections of Marco Kasper at No. 8 in 2022 and Nate Danielson at No. 9 in 2023. Kasper made his NHL debut with just one game in the 2022-23 season. Kasper spent last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, scoring 14 goals and 21 assists in 71 games, while Danielson spent his age 19 season in the juniors, scoring 12 goals and adding 19 assists in 28 games with the Portland Winterhawks. of the WHL.
THE PANORAMA:The 2024 NHL Draft presents the opportunity for the Red Wings to improve the team now and in the future
Boston University’s Macklin Celebrini was the first overall pick Friday night in Las Vegas, selected by the San Jose Sharks on Friday night. Celebrini was followed by Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov at No. 2 to the Chicago Blackhawks. Michigan State landed another player in the top 10 when Saginaw Spirit defenseman Zayne Parekh was selected by the Calgary Flames with the ninth overall pick.
The NHL draft continues at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, with the Red Wings owning seven additional draft picks: Nos. 47, 80, 126, 144, 176, 203 and 208.
Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjamesHis latest book, “On the Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Draft,” is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books of triumph. Personalized copies available through your email.
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