Edvinsson, Hanas, Griffins Rookies Contributing Right Out Of The Gate

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins (6-6-0) are struggling to find chemistry and stay healthy.

With an influx of highly touted Detroit Red Wings top-rated rookies, the lack of team production and consistency comes as a surprise.

Despite the Griffins limping early in the season, the rookies themselves have been making solid strides towards professional growth.

LW Cross Hanas

Though its still early in the season, forward Cross Hanas’ first pro season is already shaping up to be a strong foundational season. Averaging .83-points per night, he's showing strong signs of offensive and tenacious ability - including a three-point performance (one goal, two assists) in the Griffins' 5-4 come-from-behind overtime win against Toronto Friday night.

Hanas, amid all the hype about his fellow rookies, came in relatively under the radar despite being the Red Wings' 2020-2nd round selection. He has proven thus far that that was an oversight on the part of the general population.

He's got a non-stop motor and is fearless, which in a league as tough as the AHL can be, is a trait he'll be able to build off of. He's on the smaller end size-wise (listed at 6-1, 180 on the league's official website), but has already demonstrated the ability to out-maneuver his opponent and absorb hits.

LHD Eemil Viro

On the other side of the blue line, defenseman Eemil Viro has been adjusting to the new league. Coming out of Liiga, he gives off a notoriously Finnish style of play. He's poised and not prone to show much emotion - frustration, irritation, etc.

As a defenseman, a lack of appearances on the score sheet is not wholly unexpected but Viro’s on-ice production is on par. He's learning how to use his body in a more physical style of play and gets a lot of time in special team situations - likely due to his patient handling skills. He's not frantic in his puck handling which shows a level of maturity that is not a dime-a-dozen trait amongst his peers.

LHD Albert Johansson

Another defenseman that has been unintentionally overlooked, is Albert Johansson.

Making his pro debut in North America after spending the last few seasons in Sweden with Farjestad BK as a high-producing blue liner, he had a few games of adjustment. Early on, he made a handful of mistakes that can be directly liked to adjusting to the ice surface. Passing, chipping the puck out and knowing how to gauge his own speed were minor issues.

Now approaching 12 games into the season, Johansson has easily become the most improved rookie thus far. Spending the last few weeks on a road trip, he's been able to find his game. His confidence is evident; he's making much smarter plays and aggressively approaching offensive opportunities. Johansson will be one to watch closely for the remainder of the season. He tallied his first career pro point - an assist - in Friday's OT win over Toronto.

LHD Simon Edvinsson

Simon Edvinsson was the most well-known and anticipated rookie joining the Griffins this season. He's been able to meet expectations regarding production, a point-per-night roughly. Only 19-years old, he's learning how to manage his size and speed in a league that's much faster and much more physical than Frolunda HC (SHL) - where he played the last few seasons.

Edvinsson’s biggest hang up is his mental game. He has the body, the knowledge and the ability to hone in in a practical sense - elements of his game that can be tangibly worked on. He expressed disappointment in himself with his first few games and will need to work on reigning that in. He's been working alongside veteran Brian Lashoff, who will no doubt be helping him work on that.

Though he's producing well and making very good strides, he will be pushed quite hard from his fellow defesemen for the limelight. Already a crowd favorite, Edvinsson's battle will be primarily focused on balancing the expectations versus what he can do in reality.

Overall Prospect Update

Practically speaking, the rookies are showing themselves worthy of their draft selections. All have battles of various types they're ironing out as the season chugs along. The Griffins are coming off of a long road trip, which often is preferred by the team to work on chemistry in an environment on the road conducive to bringing the team together.

With an earlier than anticipated increase in injuries with their parent team, the Detroit Red Wings, the Griffins have consequently lost several of their more experienced 'veteran' players. The opportunity, though not ideal for the team as a whole, has provided the rookies a chance to not only earn valuable ice time, but prove in real-time, their ability to adapt.

The season has been rough so far, as the Griffins have allowed a league-most 50 goals through 12 games, but that is the sometimes in the nature of development. Hanas, Viro, Johnasson and Edvinsson, are reaping the benefits despite the team's overall struggles.

As 2022-23 continues to progress, these new arrivals will ideally increase their value with the team and confidence in their own developmental ability.