Now with two full regular seasons in the American Hockey League with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Antti Tuomisto is finding stability as a Detroit Red Wings defense prospect.
“We have a really tight group and Grand Rapids is a great city to be in,” Tuomisto expressed to DetroitRedWings.com on Sunday. “I’m having a lot of fun. Everybody kind of lives in the same area, so it’s been great.”
Tuomisto’s comfort off the ice has translated into his performance on it, leading all Griffins blueliners with 27 points (three goals, 24 assists) in 67 games during the 2024-25 regular season.
“Obviously, it’s easier to come back here after everything last year,” Tuomisto stated. “Things are more familiar, and I’m just trying to keep developing and pushing forward. [This season] has been good.”
Reflecting on his growth from last year’s campaign where he logged 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 50 games, Tuomisto noted he’s focusing on refining small aspects of his game.
“I think I’ve been working on the same things,” said Tuomisto, who was selected by Detroit with the 35th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. “Just skating in the D-zone, all the tidbits and stuff like that.”
He credited assistant coach Brian Lashoff for helping him become more polished through daily practice and video sessions.
“It’s been awesome,” Tuomisto commented. “I love working with Lash and doing the little things every day… watching video with him really helps.”
As Grand Rapids trails Texas Stars 2-0 in the best-of-five Central Division Semifinals of the Calder Cup Playoffs, Tuomisto emphasized teamwork.
“This is the most important time of the year,” he said. “Every shift matters… Everybody really has to work together to make the game work.”
Looking beyond this AHL postseason run, Tuomisto aims for a productive summer ahead of Red Wings’ Training Camp.
“Everything is better at the next level,” he remarked. “That really motivates me… pushes me even harder to get to that next level.”
