Previewing the 2022-23 Grand Rapids Griffins

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -  The Grand Rapids Griffins are getting ready to start their 2022-23 season, and with them will be several new Detroit Red Wings prospects. Since Steve Yzerman’s takeover, the prospect pool, especially the European influence of it, has been growing. Now three seasons in, the products of the draft will be making their North American pro debuts.

Fans will be in for an exciting, highly skilled team but also potentially a carousel of goaltenders making their appearances. The Griffins are playing host to not only the new prospects, but several returning contracts and new tryout contracts to maneuver. Their ECHL affiliate, the Toledo Walleye, will likely reap the benefit of their overloaded roster.

Prospects to Keep an Eye On

Coming off of the Red Wings’ pre-season games, the top prospects, Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson and Eemil Viro among others, will begin the year in the AHL with Grand Rapids. Though their performances have been impressive thus far, their current developmental status is such, that they will need more ice time.

The level of skill that these prospects bring, all products of Yzerman’s drafting think tank, will add a major boost in internal competition as well as skill within the AHL's Central Division.

Outside of the new arrivals, fans should keep a keen eye on those that have been making the most of their time in the AHL.

Donovan Sebrango, a 2020-3rd round pick, has been gradually improving over the last two seasons and is now facing a defining season. The pressure coming from the pipeline making its way to Grand Rapids is increasing and his reaction to it will indicate his NHL-readiness that the leadership group in Detroit hopes to see.

Along with Sebrango, left-winger Jonatan Berggren will have eyes on him as well. Berggren had an incredible rookie season, finishing with 64-points. He’ll be looking to outdo his fellow countrymen in the 2022-23 season.

Like the others, Berggren is fighting for his long-term spot in Detroit and will be pushing even harder this season. Being much smaller than his peers, at 5-ft-11, he’ll be fighting an uphill battle but has shown an immense capacity to embrace challenge and learn quickly.

Goaltender Log Jam

For the first time in several seasons, the Griffins are facing a “goalie problem” but in the best sense. Having now four goaltenders signed to their roster in Victor Brattstrom, Sebastian Cossa, John Lethemon, and Jussi Ulkinuora, they have a surplus. The question has become who will stay with Grand Rapids and who will be assigned to Toledo.

The hype surrounding Cossa, the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has been significant, and all eyes will be on the beginning of his first season of pro hockey.

Brattstrom, returning for his second season in Grand Rapids, will have a chance to start the season strong. A 2018 6th-round draft pick, he’s been in the system for some time but only got the chance to play significant AHL minutes last season.

After a very rough start, he was able to become the anchor holding the team together in many games. Brattstrom’s capability has been lost a little in the hype around Cossa, but his work for Detroit isn’t done yet and it's unlikely he’ll stop pushing.

As for the others, the availability of several very capable goaltenders will put the Griffins in a position not to be blindsided.

Playoff Potential

Grand Rapids did not make the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs, ending a franchise-record playoff streak at seven consecutive seasons.

With the new prospects coming through, the return of favorites like Dominik Shine, Kyle Criscuolo, Brian Lashoff, and Tyler Spezia, and flexible, talented goaltending, the Griffins could see themselves back in playoff form.

Opening their season against the San Diego Gulls then hitting the road for October will put the new guys to the test right off the bat. The level of discipline and skill of this year's team, however, indicates a very promising level of potential.

The true test will come at the halfway point, as college kids get used to longer seasons and the rookies start to feel the affects of an intense training and travel schedule. The Griffins however, will be up to the challenge.

Under the proven leadership of Ben Simon as Head Coach, his eighth season in a leadership role with the team, they will aim to be a playoff team.

The Roster

roster submitted to the AHL & posted on the league's website as of 8 p.m. ET on Thursday October 13, 2022.

Goalies (4): Victor Brattstrom, Sebastian Cossa, John Lethemon, and Jussi Ulkinuora

Defensemen (8): Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson, Steven Kampfer, Brian Lashoff, Jared McIsaac, Wyatt Newpoer, Donovan Sebrango and Eemil Viro

Forwards (16): Pontus Andreasson, Jonatan Berggren, Trenton Bliss, Kyle Criscuolo, Austin Czarnik, Cross Hanas, Taro Hirose, Cedric Lacroix, Joel L'Esperance, Matt Luff, Chase Pearson, Dominik Shine, Givani Smith, Tyler Spezia, Kirill Tyutyayev and Drew Worrad

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