Detroit City Wire

Three rookies have earned spots on the Detroit Red Wings’ 2025-26 Opening Night roster, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Emmitt Finnie, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka impressed during training camp and preseason games, leading to their inclusion in the team for the start of the season.

“Probably exceeded our expectations,” Yzerman said ahead of Thursday’s puck drop at Little Caesars Arena. “All three of them were in Grand Rapids at the end of the year and all did alright based on what we saw. We kind of anticipated them, at that time, starting in Grand Rapids. But we say it every year, no decision has been made until you come to camp. From Day 1, they started off really good [at the 2025 NHL Prospect Games] and continued that in the scrimmages in Traverse City, the Red & White Game in Grand Rapids and they all looked good in the preseason games. We felt that they all earned the opportunity and see if they can sustain it in the regular season, which we expect them to. It was a very pleasant surprise that we weren’t necessarily expecting in the offseason.”

The three players, each 20 years old, made their NHL debuts against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night. This marks the first time since 2018-19 that at least three Red Wings players debuted on Opening Night.

Yzerman explained his approach to deciding whether young players remain with Detroit or are sent to its AHL affiliate for further development: “We’ve got to put a 23-man roster in on Monday,” Yzerman said. “Every year we have to do that. Any young player, if we think they’re ready and we think they’re going to play, we meet with the coaching staff and what’s your plan, understanding the plan changes daily, but if they’re going to play and they’re ready to play, we’re more than happy to keep them.”

He cited Lucas Raymond as an example of a player who secured a roster spot through strong performance during camp rather than predetermined plans: “Four years ago, we thought for sure he’s going to play in Grand Rapids this year,” Yzerman said about Raymond. “From Day 1 of camp, he was really good and never looked back. We try to keep an open mind with it. It’s not set in stone that a player has to go to the American League for an x number of years or games or whatever. Kind of let their play dictate when they’re going to be on the roster and to some extent, how the coaching staff plans to use them.”

Yzerman noted increased energy around the team due to these new additions: “For all of us that have watched them through the preseason and going back to the two games in Texas, it’s been impressive,” Yzerman said. “You watch Emmitt Finnie skate, the poise and smarts of Axel and his puck-handling skills back there. Then Michael shooting the puck and playing hard – he’s got a real element to his game. I’m not in the room but I get a sense…It’s very exciting for everybody. The fans that have been following the team in preseason I think it’s obvious they’re talented young players. Hoping that translates now into regular season.”

On evaluating these prospects as regular season progresses: “No really different than evaluating anybody else,” Yzerman said. “For these guys you see impact that they'll have on team; They don’t need waivers so if they're not playing then they're not having an impact; You can send them right Grand Rapids let them play; For me it's how coaches use them how much impact are they having? Hopefully they're having positive impact not losing confidence.”

With optimism surrounding both rookies’ potential contributions and returning players’ continued growth during this centennial season for Detroit Red Wings franchise history, Yzerman emphasized expectations for improvement: “I look at core team starting with Dylan and Alex DeBrincat,” Yzerman said.“Guys had good years last year; We expect them continue if not get better; Mo Lucas Year 5 now like entering prime years going continue grow; Add Marco group expect Simon all young guys take another step play more prominent role; Our expectation is with John net we'll be stronger then we'll see how young players do; For me there's lot excitement curiosity see how this is going play out but I'm expecting more from players were here.”