GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The excitement in Detroit concerning their beloved Red Wings has been palpable since the Christmas break. Since Derek Lalonde was replaced by a new bench boss in Todd McLellan, the Red Wings have been a league-best 15-4-1 and the vibe has shifted from despondent to ecstatic in the Motor City.
While its established stars have returned to form in the wake of the coaching shift, the team is also seeing massive contributions elsewhere. Newly introduced youth, players on their second-chance opportunity, and one particular wily veteran can trace their roots of success down I-96 to Grand Rapids.
The contributions from the above players have the Red Wings on their second seven-game winning streak in the McLellan era. It wasn’t but a few months ago since every one of these names (and for one, just a couple of weeks) were donning the Griffins colors in Van Andel Arena.
While McLellan himself has much to say about the turnaround of the parent club and their remembering how to play you-know-what, the roots of success stretch all the way to west Michigan.
It’s a Christmas Miracle
Dan Watson was introduced in the summer of 2023 as the new head coach of the Griffins following two post-Covid seasons where the team had failed to qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs. In a league where a vast majority of teams do make the postseason, the change to shake up the coaching staff signaled that the Red Wings valued the developmental benefits of making the playoffs.
It wasn’t an easy ride at first, and by the Christmas break the Griffins sat at 6th in the division. There was a lot of “here we go again” coming from the fans in Van Andel Arena, but the players believed in Watson. They bought in. Establishing a culture for the youth at this level takes time, and the Griffins’ heater they ran on post-Christmas saw them shoot up to the second seed in the Central Division.
It wasn’t just a miracle – it was hard work. In the playoffs, names like Jonatan Berggren and Simon Edvinsson showed why they were highly coveted prospects. The Griffins took the division-champion Admirals to the distance, and while they didn’t get the results they wanted, it was clear that Watson’s direction and culture for success was taking root.
It’s hard not to parallel that turnaround in Grand Rapids to the one in Detroit, even under different circumstances. From bottom of the barrel to the heat of the playoff race. Most importantly, these players have been in this position before. They know what to expect, even if at a different level.
The confidence is there and it shows on the ice.
Second Chance Griffs
Berggren’s path to a regular lineup spot in Detroit wasn’t as linear as expected. After 67 games with Detroit in 22-23, the young forward spent much of 23-24 in Grand Rapids. It could be easy to throw the hands up and request a move out of the organization (and that didn’t stop the media from speculating as such). Watson stuck to Berggren. His offensive skills were never in question, but the coaching staff in Grand Rapids helped mold an attitude with the forward born of compete and work ethic.
After a slow start to the year, Berggren is starting to repay the organization for its faith.
Elmer Soderblom was written off by just about every fan and talking head going into the season. Even early in the season, the eye test was passing with flying colors but the pucks weren’t bouncing for the big man. The coaching staff didn’t lose faith. With opportunities in the lineup, Soderblom’s impact hit more and more with each shift. He was in on the forecheck. He was a menace around the net. He fooled everyone with those smooth hands.
That X-Factor ability that has rejuvenated a beleaguered bottom six in Detroit was fostered by Watson and the Griffins. Perhaps the most impactful fold to his game that was sharpened in Grand Rapids was his physicality. Soderblom’s presence has been felt along the boards and behind the net of several opponents overwhelmed by the 6’8 frame. You can also attribute some of that credit to another Watson – Austin Watson‘s presence and mentorship of Soderblom has helped lead the forward to perhaps a permanent spot in Detroit.
A Star’s Shine
Coach Watson earned his first All-Star Game appearance with the Griffins in first place in the Central Division. The results have spoken for themselves. From Marco Kasper to Edvinsson, the talent of nearly two entire top lines has moved on to become NHL contributors in less than a year.
His team is still winning hockey games.
The culture in Grand Rapids has seen an entire shift from those missed playoff years. Exciting young prospects leaning into the winning habits of a program led at the helm by a veteran group that’s bought into the message. When an 8-year mainstay in Dominik Shine is getting his cup of coffee finally after 454 American Hockey League games and a career year offensively, it shows the product of an excellent coaching staff.
There are still obstacles to overcome and heights to be achieved, but with Sebastian Cossa, Nate Danielson, Amadeus Lombardi, and William Wallinder taking up the mantle of last year’s graduates, Watson’s work has only just begun.
