Jonatan Berggren continues to do everything within his power as a Grand Rapids Griffins player to show that he is ready to play with the Detroit Red Wings in 2024-25.

The Swedish winger had to be disappointed that he only played 12 games with the Red Wings this season after playing 67 in 2022-23.  He netted 15 goals for Detroit in those 67 games. But he clearly hasn’t sulked about his situation. He showed that again Wednesday night when he registered his first American Hockey League hat trick to spark the Griffins to a come-from-behind 5-4 OT win against the Chicago Wolves.

The Van Andel Arena ice was flooded with hats after Berggren (drafted 33rd overall in 2018) scored his third goal with 13 seconds left in regulation.  Berggren extended his points streak to eight games (7-7-14)

“He basically won the game for us down the stretch,” Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson said. “He knows how to create offense, knows how to score goals. That’s what he does best. He did it for us tonight. It’s always fun to watch him play.”

Thanks to Berggren’s heroics, Red Wings prospect Sebastian Cossa has now extended his streak to 18 consecutive games (12-0-6) of earning at least one point for his team. He hasn’t lost in regulation since Jan. 12.

Berggren also assisted on Brogan Rafferty’s overtime tally for his season-high fourth point of the game. Berggren now boasts 23 goals and 52 points in 45 games for Grand Rapids.

The Grand Rapids team also has an 18-game home points streak (13-0-3-2). Carter Mazur had a pair of assists in this game, while Amadeus Lombardi, Marco Kasper and Antti Tuomisto also added assists. Mazur now shows 33 points in 52 games. Kasper has 32 points in 63 games.

The post Berggren Still Piling Up Points For Griffins, 14 In Last Eight Games appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

One more game with the Detroit Red Wings and it will mean that Jonatan Beggren will have played 80 in the NHL. That would also mean a requirement to return him the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins will be clearing the Swedish forward through NHL waivers.

You might think that’s why he was sent down Monday the Red Wings as they are making a drive for their first Stanley Cup playoff spot since 2016. Howver, that isn’t the case at all.

UPDATE: The #RedWings today assigned right wing Jonatan Berggren to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. pic.twitter.com/mKTJdogKwe

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 25, 2024

“I think it’s our team game,” Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde is listing as his reason for returning Berggren to Grand Rapids. “We just talked about (playing) eight quality periods, so a little rhythm of our lines.”

Lalonde has frequently been a questioner of Berggren’s defensive responsibility. Lately, he’s also expressing similar concerns regarding veteran forward Daniel Sprong. The 17-goal scorer has been a healthy scratch the past two games.

“I’d probably put Spronger in that same boat, too,” Lalonde admitted. “Both Spronger and Berggren can produce some offense but the rhythm of our lines right now, we’ve played some really good team hockey right now, so I think it’s more about what the group is doing that’s keeping them together.

“We love the offense but we talked about not being chaotic. I think our current group right now is playing the right way, winning type of hockey.”

Czarnik Getting Call For Red Wings

Journeyman veteran Austin Czarnik has usurped both players as a regular in the Detroit lineup. Since his March 14 recall from the AHL Griffins, Lalonde has consistently been slotting in Czarnik as his fourth-line center. While he doesn’t bring anywhere near the offensive upside of Sprong or Berggren, Czarnik does deliver trustworthiness without the puck.

“(Czarnik) gives us reliable minutes,” Lalonde said. “I think he’s helped that by giving us quality minutes down the middle.”

Sticking With Lyon

Following a 31-save performance in a 1-0 loss Saturday at Nashville, the Red Wings will be staying with goalie Alex Lyon between the pipes for Tuesday’s massive tilt at Washington against the Capitals. Lyon has lost his last eight decisions. Meanwhile, James Reimer has won three in a row and six of seven.

We hear from goalie Alex Lyon after he made 31 saves in the Red Wings' 1-0 road loss to the Nashville Predators.#LGRW pic.twitter.com/FJsb1okPZG

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) March 23, 2024

“We’ve had this a couple times where we actually had a hard decision, which is a positive,” Lalonde said. “There’s been some times this year where we’re not sure who to start at the other end. This is a good problem.

“James is winning. Alex had a really good performance on Saturday.”

The post Red Wings Return Berggren to Grand Rapids appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

When they were moving to acquire forward Klim Kostin from the Edmonton Oilers at last year’s NHL entry draft, it seemed like a worthwhile roll of the dice by the Detroit Red Wings. The 6-foot-4, 232-pound Kostin was a big body who scored 11 goals for the Oilers last season.

Ultimately, though, Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman came to the opinion that there was no accounting for what Klim was Kostin his club. That’s what Yzerman’s only move at Friday’s NHL trade deadline was shipping Kostin to the San Jose Sharks for a seventh-round draft pick and minor-league defenseman Radim Simek.

UPDATE: The Red Wings assigned defenseman Radim Šimek to the Griffins. Šimek and a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft were acquired today by the Red Wings in a trade with San Jose that sent left wing Klim Kostin to the Sharks #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/yJ3pa2fNo0

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) March 8, 2024

“We couldn’t afford to have a $2 million forward not in the lineup next year,” Yzerman said. “If in the role he was used in, it doesn’t make sense to have a $2 million player (sitting out).”

Playing mostly this season on the fourth line when he played at all, Kostin was a healthy scratch for eight of his last nine games with the Red Wings.

After Detroit made the acquistion of Kostin last summer, they would sign him to a two-year, $4 million pact. While he did supply somewhat of a physical presence, including a memorable early-season fight in Columbus with Erik Gudbranson, Kostin would score just three goals in 33 games.

“I have mixed emotions about trading him,” Yzerman admitted. “We brought him in last year, big guy, physical, but has some ability, too. It didn’t work here for whatever reason.

“He’s a young player that wants to play and just wasn’t getting that. It’s best for the player, it’s best for us.  We were able to move him, give him an opportunity.”

Red Wings Recalling Berggren

Kostin’s departure, coupled with captain Dylan Larkin’s injury, leaves Detroit with only 11 forwards. That dynamic is changing, though. Forward Jonatan Berggren is getting a recall from the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.

Jonatan Berggren is joining the Red Wings in Vegas and will play on Saturday, Steve Yzerman told @iamtrevort on Bally Sports Detroit.

— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) March 9, 2024

He’ll be suiting up for Saturday’s game in Las Vegas against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. From nine games earlier this season with Detroit, Berggren is showing 2-3-5 totals. That’s more than Kostin (3-1-4) was able to accumulate in his 33 games.

Should Berggren play four more NHL games and get to 80 for his career, he be required to clear NHL waivers in order to return to the Griffins.

The post Kostin Was Never a Fit With Red Wings appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Discussing what it’s going to take for his team to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday afternoon, Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman was outlining their blueprint for success.

“We gotta be better defensively collectively as a team.” Yzerman explained. “We gotta keep working on that. And that includes not just defending. It’s your play with the puck all over the ice. You gotta be responsible with it.

“That’ll be I think the determining factor.”

Later Friday, as they were on the road facing the Arizona Coyotes, the Red Wings appeared to make a conscious decision to completely ignore this blueprint.

Not suprisingly, the outcome wasn’t successful for the Wings.

Scoring three times in the first period, the Coyotes would carry on to blank the Red Wings 4-0.

“Awful start,” Detroit coach Derek Lalaonde told Bally Sports Detroit. “Tough to explain. It’s just really disappointing to have a start like that.”

Connor Ingram (@CBIngram1) was perfect once again on Friday night, tying the League lead with his sixth @pepsi shutout of the season! pic.twitter.com/BHeOjBEWOo

— NHL (@NHL) March 9, 2024

Arizona would net two goals before Detroit would count a shot on goal. The Coyotes were completely dominant, while the Wings were utterly docile. The Red Wings have now lost four games in a row. Their lead over the New York Islanders for the final Eastern Conference wild card spot has dwindled to two points.

Red Wings Giving Up Easy Chances

“We’re finding ourselves behind, we’re finding ourselves giving up easy chances, giving up leads,” detroit defenseman Jake Walman said. “We just gotta stay dialed in all the time.”

Too often during their dismal opening frame, the Red Wings were dialing the wrong number.

“We just lost some battles,” Lalonde said. “The first goal was really disappointing. We got outskated to the net and then the puck’s lying at the net and all the sudden it’s 1-0.

“I don’t like the penalty kill goal. (A) too many men on the ice (penalty to Detroit), minor hockey type stuff. You’re waiting for your guy to come back to the bench and he plays the puck and you’re not even watching the play.

“It’s the third time it’s happened in a week. It’s not being ready, not being locked in.”

This was a game the Wings could ill afford to lose. Arizona came into the night losers of six in a row at home since Jan. 24. The Coyotes had lost the last five of those games all by margins of 3+ goals. They were also playing the second game of back to backs.

Alex Lyon is doing his part to give his team a chance to come back! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/mp3IRdhmla

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) March 9, 2024

Instead, the Red Wings gave the game away. Starting goalie Alex Lyon allowed 4+ goals for the fourth straight game. James Reimer will be getting the start Saturday in Vegas, where the reigning Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights have lost five in a row at home.

Playing their second game in a row without captain Dylan Larkin (lower-body injury), Detroit dropped to 2-8 over the past two seasons when Larkin isn’t in the lineup. Forward Jonatan Berggren is getting a recall from AHL Grand Rapids and will be playing Saturday in Vegas.

The post Wily Coyotes Blank Red Wings appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

It would be entirely incorrect to suggest that there isn’t a scenario in which the Detroit Red Wings would be moving forward Jonatan Berggren prior to today’s NHL trade deadline.

For instance, were Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland to call up Steve Yzerman and offer Connor McDavid straight up for Berggren, Stevie Y is gonna make that deal.

Don’t hold your breath, because that outcome isn’t happening.

On the other hand, are there realistic proposals that could involve Berggren finding himself in a new home by 3 p.m. ET today?

BerggrenAttention theres a leak in Iowa!!! Jonatan Berggren slips one pass Wallstedt!

Griffins up 1#GoGRG #LGRW pic.twitter.com/BSzCWzfDwJ

— Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) March 2, 2024

That’s a scenario which is truly difficult to envision, because the fact of the matter is if you are the Red Wings brass, do you really want to be trading Berggren?

Everywhere he’s been since coming to North America in 2021, he’s put the puck in the net. He counted 21 goals for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins in 2021-22 and his 64 points were a club rookie record. Splitting last season between GR and Detroit, Berggren was good for 19 goals. This season, a campaign again split between the Red Wings and Griffins, Berggren’s stats sheet is showing 21 goals and 52 points through 51 games.

“He’s got some takeaway speed at this level.” Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson said of Berggren. “He sees the ice extremely well, he can make plays under pressure. He can make plays in tight areas. And he loves to have the puck on his stick.”

In 76 NHL games, Berggren is showing 17-16-33 totals. And that’s without getting significant time on top-six forward units or with the power play. What could Berggren produce in a more pronounced NHL role? Not finding out that answer before dealing Berggren could come back to haunt the Red Wings.

Berggren Loyal Soldier For Red Wings

Then there’s Berggren’s attitude, which has been nothing short of spectacular. After scoring 15 goals in 67 games for the Red Wings last season, he didn’t bat an eye when given a return assignment to Grand Rapids out of training camp.

“(Being sent down) can set guys back mentally (and) can get guys in a bad mindset,” Watson said. “But with (Berggren), he got sent down and played four games in four nights without complaint. He just went and did it. He just went to work.”

Jonatan Berggren gives the Grand Rapids Griffins the 1-0 lead over the Cleveland Monsters 3:53 into the game.

Pavel Cajan was just a bit slow with his reaction. #GoGRG #CLEMonsters @FPC_AHL pic.twitter.com/AZNI3JdTXU

— Elaine Shircliff (@imaraindancer) March 5, 2024

While pro sports is first and foremost a business, the fact that Berggren has done everything asked of him by the organization matters. There are other young prospects watching the example he’s setting. If his reward was a ticket out of town, it might make some of them have second thoughts about their own loyalty to the Red Wings cause.

It’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Red Wings might trade Berggren today. But for that to happen, it’s going to take a pretty sweet deal.

The post What Would It Take For Red Wings To Move Berggren? appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Mazur scored his 13th goal and added two assists to pace the Grand Rapids Griffins to a 4-3 win against the Iowa Wild that extended the team’s American Hockey League point streak to 17 games.

Jonatan Berggren had the go-ahead goal in the third period. Zach Aston-Reese had the game-winner. Berggren boasts 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in his past 22 games. If the Red Wings lose a scorer to injury, he would appear to be the likely call-up.

This is the Griffins’ longest points streak since setting the team record of 19 games in 2014-15.

Detroit prospect defenseman Antti Tuomisto also had two assists for the Griffins are home to face Rockford tonight.

Goodnight Grand Rapids
Griffins – 4 Wild – 3
Highlights #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/FOyLBxG4CP

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) March 2, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Here is a look inside the Grand Rapids Griffins 17-game points streak. They haven’t lost in regulation in 50 days.
• Coach Derek Lalonde said the boldest move the Red Wings could make at the trade deadline is to do nothing at all.
• The Red Wings are hoping goalie Alex Lyon can find success against his former Florida Panthers teammates today.
• Behind the paywall: Red Wings prospect Larry Keenan, the grandson of a former NHL player by the same name, is exploring his talent with the British Columbia team that turned out Brett Hull and Joe Murphy.

Red Wings Next Game

Detroit is home to face the Florida Panthers who own the NHL’s best record of 40-16-4. The puck drops at 3 p.m. Patrick Kane brings a 10-game points streak (5-10-15) into the game.  This is the eighth time Kane has had a point streak of at least 10 games. It is his first since a 12-game run from Dec. 31, 2019-Feb. 1, 2020 (5-13-18 in 12 GP). Kane is the eighth player in Red Wings history with a point streak of at least 10 games in his first season with the
club. He is the first since Dino Ciccarelli authored an 11-game point streak from March 18-April 15, 1993 (9-12-21 in 11 GP).

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The Bruins will be looking for players with a snarl before Friday’s NHL trade deadline. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: The Avalanche moved Kurtis MacDermid and his $987,500 salary to the New Jersey Devils for a seventh-round pick and prospect Zakhar Bardakov who is playing in the KHL playoffs. This looks like cleaning up the roster in anticipation of other moves. Colorado Avalanche.

Nashville: NHN’s Michael Gallagher weighs in on how the Nashville Predators should approach the upcoming trade deadline.

Philadelphia: Jonathan Bailey believes the Philadelphia Flyers can find a backup goalie in the NHL trade market.

Pittsburgh: Reilly Smith tells PHN that the rumors about him being unhappy in Pittsburgh and wanting to return to the Vegas Golden Knights are “totally baseless.” Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: How do the San Jose Sharks matchup with Eastern Conference teams as a trading partner? Sheng Peng has the answer,

The post The Daily: Mazur Helps Griffins Extend Streak; Bruins Want Snarl appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Much like their parent team in Detroit, the Grand Rapids Griffins keep finding different ways to keep racking up points.

Jonatan Berggren and Elmer Soderblom scored 13 seconds apart Saturday night to lead the Griffins to a 4-1 win against the Texas Stars to extend their points streak to 14 games. Grand Rapids hasn’t lost in regulation since Jan. 12 when it fell 2-0 to Rockford. This is the team’s longest points streak in nine years.

Their streak, however, is in jeopardy today because the Griffins face a Milwaukee Admirals team (5 p.m. in Grand Rapids) that has won 19 games in a row. It’s the second-longest streak in AHL history. Sunday’s game will mark the first time in AHL history that two teams with points streaks of 14 or more games will be meeting on the ice.

Berggren and Soderblom scored their back-to-back goals in the second period to give Grand Rapids a lead it never lost. Berggren’s goal was his 17th and gave him 21 points in his past 19 games. Soderblom has seven goals.

BACK. TO. BACK. GRIFFINS GOALS. pic.twitter.com/W2MNlWSR4D

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 25, 2024

Defenseman Simon Edvinsson also scored his seventh goal for the Griffins who are now three points ahead of Texas for second place in the Central Division. Grand Rapids is a whopping 17 points behind the division-leading Admirals.

Edvinsson Having Strong Season

Edvinsson has 26 points in 44 games.  With 25 games remaining in the Griffins’ 72-game season, Edvinsson is on pace for 11 goals and 41 points.

Defenseman Albert Johansson and forward Cross Hanas assisted on Soderblom’s goal. Johansson has five goals and 11 assists for 16 points this season. He has been a consistent performer for Grand Rapids in his two seasons there, and scouts tell Detroit Hockey Now that he will play in the NHL. He’s not an elite performer, but he’s a safe player, the kind of defender that coaches appreciate.

The Red Wings might have given Johansson a shot at playing some games last season had he not suffered an injury that took him out of the lineup for an extended period.

The post Griffins’ 14-Game Points Streak vs. Milwaukee’s 19-Game Winning Streak appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The Detroit Red Wings are seeing the results they hoped they would see out of new Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson.

The Griffins (21-15-5-3) lost a 4-3 overtime decision to the Cleveland Monsters Friday, but the Griffins extended their points streak to 11 consecutive games. They haven’t lost in regulation in more than a month. This is the second-longest points streak in the AHL this season.

The Red Wings hired Watson as part of their offseason effort to restore the Griffins’ competitiveness. The best development environment for a prospect is to play for a playoff qualifier in the American Hockey League. Their gauntlet-like postseason scenario is similar to the NHL’s. The Griffins had missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. This season, they are battling the Texas Stars for second place in the Central Division.

The Griffins trailed Cleveland 3-1 Friday, but forced overtime with goals by Jonatan Berggren and Joel L’Esperance. Berggren’s goal was his 16th, 18th if you count the two goals he has scored for Detroit this season. Berggren has 20 points — including nine goals — in his past 16 games. Elmer Soderblom also scored his sixth goal for the Griffins.

Goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa is 4-0-2 during this streak.

“What’s not to like? Custard: good. Jam: good. Meat: good!” Elmer’s goal: GREAT! pic.twitter.com/COMnySYXXr

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 17, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Vancouver defenseman Nikita Zadorov mocked Jake Walman’s Griddy celebration in the Canucks’ 4-1 win against Detroit.
•  Detroit’s squad is now in a salvage operation to pick up the last four points available on this road trip to stay in a playoff spot. They have games remaining with the Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken.
• Paywall story: Tim Robinson writes that Wisconsin-bound Jack Phelan was making progress as a Detroit prospect until an injury removed him the lineup.

Red Wings Next Game

James Reimer will start in goal for Detroit today when it faces the Calgary Flames today (4 p.m.) Robby Fabbri will return to the Detroit lineup after missing two games to be with his wife for the birth of a daughter.

"Road trips got a little harder now."

Fabbri, Reimer & Newsy following today's practice » https://t.co/LfdFjAliPP pic.twitter.com/57zzUxUBsM

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 16, 2024

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Prosecutors have decided not to move forward with domestic violence charges against Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic. That came after Lucic’s wife, Brittany, invoked marital privilege and declined to testify.

Chicago: Blackhawks minor-league goalie Jaxson Stauber scored a goal in an AHL game. Chicago Blackhawks. 

Colorado: Are the Columbus Blue Jackets interested in luring back Chris MacFarland from the Colorado Avalanche? He served as Joe Sakic’s right-hand man. Evan Rawal has the story.

Montreal: Did a former Montreal Canadiens GM disrespect some Montreal legends? MHN’s Marc Dumont addresses the story. Montreal Canadiens

Nashville: NHN’s Michael Gallagher had some fun grading trade proposals submitted by readers. Nashville Predators. 

Pittsburgh: Jaromir Jagr is in town for the retirement of his number. Time hasn’t changed his sense of humor or his self-awareness. This is an entertaining fellow. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

The post The Daily: Griffins Point Streak at 11 Games; Lucic Update appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Jonatan Berggren netted his sixth goal in the past eight Grand Rapids Griffins games Saturday and yet his scoring play may not have been what the Detroit Red Wings management team liked about his game.

Berggren dove to knock the puck away from Manitoba Moose forward Patrick Ford who was about to fire the puck into an empty net in overtime. The Griffins ended up losing 4-3 in a shootout, but his effort was applauded on social media.

The Moose did end up winning the game, but it was a Berggren play that the Red Wings will remember when they need to call up a forward. The Red Wings know Berggren can create offense, but they want him to work on the details of his game. They want to see smart defensive play, more consistency in his overall game, and the elimination of ill-timed penalties.

The post Griffins Progress Report: Berggren Shows He Has ‘D’ in His Game (+) appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Detroit Red Wings prospect Jonatan Berggren is around the net no matter where he is playing this season. He continued his memorable offensive season Monday night when he posted a goal and two assists for the Central Division in the AHL All-Star tournament. His team was 1-2 in the tournament.

Berggren’s play of late has helped the Grand Rapids Griffins make a run for second place in the AHL’s Central Division. The Griffins come out of the All-Star break on a six-game winning streak. They have won 11 of their last 14 . Their .563 points percentage has pushed them past the Texas Stars (.549) for second place.

The Griffins return to action Friday against the Manitoba Moose. Berggren  went into the break with points in his past 15 games. He had eight goals and 11 assists in that span. Berggren shows 10 multiple point games this season.

Meanwhile, Detroit fans are left wondering where Berggren fits in the Detroit Red Wings future. If there is an injury on the parent club, Berggren could be called up to be the equivalent of a trade deadline acquisition. He’s also been listed on NHL trade bait lists as someone the Red Wings could move to add a veteran defenseman.

He is the main character #AHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/9VqZ3XDIH8

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 6, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• The Red Wings have 10 players with 10 or more goals, putting them on course to set a new team record. Dylan Larkin leads with 23 goals.
• Would the Red Wings trade Jonatan Berggren. That may not be their objective, but he’s listed on some trade bait lists.
• Coach Derek Lalonde’s Red Wings have a 50.7% probability to make the playoffs.
• Detroit great Nicklas Lidstrom says Pavel Datsyuk was the most talented teammate he ever had.

Red Wings Next Game

After the Red Wings play the Vancouver Canucks at Little Caesars Arena Saturday in their first game out of the break, they go on a four-game Western Conference road trip against the Edmonton Oilers, Canucks, Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Prospect Colton Dach is still trending up for the Chicago Blackhawks.  He has 16 points in 23 games for Rockford in the American Hockey League.

Montreal: Marc Dumont writes about three Montreal Canadiens who have something to prove. Alex Newhook is one of them.

Philadelphia: What the Carter Hart salary cap relief means to the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Dave Molinari offers six reasons why the Pittsburgh Penguinas may miss the NHL playoffs.

Nashville: Prospect goalie Yaroslav Askarov steals the show at the AHL All-Star Game. Nashville Predators. 

The post The Daily: Berggren Keeps Piling Up Points; Habs Need to Step Up appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.