Red Wings, Ducks make history for Norway

Norway had never had a player taken in the first-round of the NHL Draft. On Friday, two players earned that unique honour.

At 15th overall, the Detroit Red Wings selected forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

Brandsegg-Nygard plays in Sweden and last season with Mora in the second division, he had eight goals and nine assists in 40 games. Next season Brandsegg-Nygard will team up with fellow Red Wings draft pick Axel Sandin Pellikka at Skellefteå in the first division of the SHL.

“Brandsegg-Nygard is plenty strong and has proven he can play at pro pace this season,” Sportsnet scout Jason Bukala wrote in a scouting report. “His ability to shoot the puck in motion, off the rush, is an asset he has when he beats opponents up ice. He’s smart, skilled, and competitive.”

Then, with pick No. 23, the Anaheim Ducks selected defenceman Stian Solberg. Solberg played his club hockey in Norway, for Valerenga, and in 2023-24 had five goals and 10 assists in 42 games.

“Solberg is a two-way defenceman with reliable hockey sense and understated offensive upside,” Bukala wrote. “Solberg is a solid skater and plenty strong in battle areas. He sees the ice and distributes the puck responsibly. It feels like he’s just scratching the surface of his upside.”

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