The Taxi, the nickname of Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, poses an interesting question for the Detroit Red Wings. Where should he play this upcoming season, in the SHL or NHL?
The drafting choices of the Detroit Red Wings have become a bit of a spectacle, with reactions from scouts and fans ranging from amusement to frustration. What was once an unpredictable process now seems monotonous or even irritating to some.
The Detroit Red Wings have a tendency to select two-way players for the SHL, regardless of their position, which can be disappointing for those hoping for a more daring choice.
This approach is a twist compared to the surprise pick of Moritz Seider in the 2019 NHL Entry Level Draft. Despite some lingering surprise over Steve Yzerman’s picks as the general manager, the selections align with the publicized criteria for evaluating prospects.
Two minutes of Michael Brandsegg-Nygård's (DET) best plays and moments from the pre-season match on August 16th.
He had a ridiculous one-timer goal in the third period, but also multiple other chances from the slot. Forechecking, physicality on display as always, too. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/5LS7zS3MlG
— Lassi Alanen (@lassialanen) August 21, 2024
The latest first-round pick fits this pattern, showing impressive competitiveness and a tougher edge than expected as he begins his SHL career.
Should Michael Brandsegg-Nygård play in the SHL or the NHL this upcoming season?
Answering this question is challenging, but I’ll do my best to break it down.
Brandsegg-Nygård had stints in both the Swedish junior leagues and HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-tier men’s league in Sweden. In the 2023-24 season, he played 41 regular-season games, notching eight goals and ten assists for 18 points, along with 19 penalty minutes, and a +3 rating.
In international play with the IIHF, his stats are:
– 34 games
– 21 goals
– 10 assists
– 31 points
– 4 penalty minutes
– -5 rating
Out of these games, seven were against senior players, where he earned three goals and two assists, totaling nine points, with two penalty minutes and a -6 rating. While his defensive performance wasn’t stellar, his ability to generate offense in a tough competition was evident.
Brandsegg-Nygård particularly excels under high-pressure situations. In the qualification matches for his HockeyAllsvenskan team, Mora IK, he played 12 games, scored four goals and six assists for ten points, with eight penalty minutes and a +1 rating.
He demonstrated his reliability in crucial moments, showing that even though he might be seen as having a lower offensive ceiling, he can still deliver in key situations. His skills and traits suggest a promising potential for success in the NHL, despite any perceived limitations.
