Michael Brandsegg-Nygård has garnered a lot of attention not for any one particular skill but the fact he can do everything needed for success extremely well. It’s no surprise then he’s definitely in the mix for a prime selection in the middle of the 2024 NHL Draft’s opening round. It’s also quite likely he’ll become the highest drafted prospect out of Norway in the country’s history (after the Dallas Stars drafted Marius Holtet with their forty-second pick back in 2002 but he saw no NHL action).
Pre-Draft Rankings
No. 10 by FC Hockey
No. 16 by The Athletic (Scott Wheeler)
No. 16 by Sportsnet (Sam Cosentino)
No. 20 by TSN (Bob McKenzie)
No. 15 by Elite Prospects
Statistics
What’s to like?
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård has the body of a professional hockey player (6’1″, 198 lbs), which for starters is always a huge help. And he is not afraid to use that body to both protect the puck from the opposition or to simply knock the opponent off the puck with hard clean hits or using enough muscle to gain an advantage in obtaining possession. It’s something scouts haven’t used as a prerequisite as much as they did in pre-analytic days but it’s an intangible which comes in handy with a game on the line.
A prime example of this is below, knocking the opponent off his skates cleanly, then heading to the slot for a possible scoring chance. On turning back towards the back of the net the player he hit seeks revenge, but Brandsegg-Nygård braces himself for the hit and ends up no worse for wear as the opponent again hits the ice.
Perhaps the biggest asset Brandsegg-Nygård brings to his game is a consistency on both the defensive and offensive side of the puck. The term “well-rounded” has been used often in describing his play whether it’s getting pucks in the corner and winning battles, sound defensive coverage or starting transitional play up ice. Although he’s not known as a playmaker, his stats this past season have been eye-opening, particularly during the World Juniors and post-WJCs. That production continued in his last 10 games for Mora IK where he registered 10 points (four goals, six assists). In the clip below he takes a neutral zone pass and turns the defender inside out before breaking up the middle. He then deftly puts the puck in a scorer’s wheelhouse, just above the goaltender’s pad but underneath the glove.
In terms of his shooting and offensive skills, Brandsegg-Nygård has a strong wrist shot and his slap shot (which sees him occasionally going down on one knee for power) can hold its own. He also seems to know his way around a power play, not as much as the quarterback but in a bumper capacity by working well with his teammates on the odd-man situation.
Another highlight of Brandsegg-Nygård’s game is his relentless forechecking capabilities, which is even more formidable given his solid two-way play. He simply refuses to give up on a puck, a play or a shift, resulting in a fourth-line work ethic mentality that is paired up with essentially top-six to middle-six talent. An active stick that often sees him disrupting the opponents rush is another asset to his overall game.
Finally, a lot of scouts are in love with his hockey smarts, something that a lot of players Brandsegg-Nygård’s age need to hone with either another year in junior or development in the American Hockey League.
What’s not to like?
If there’s anything that might cause concern regarding Brandsegg-Nygård’s outlook, it’s that he underwent knee surgery in March, 2023. He seems to have come out from the procedure no worse for wear, but any time a draft prospect has gone under the knife (or laser), especially a knee, it could be a red flag of sorts. But since surgery he hasn’t looked like he lost any step or half-step off his skating.
The fact Brandsegg-Nygård does everything well is that, to play devil’s advocate briefly, there isn’t one thing he is particularly jaw-dropping stellar or amazing at. Otherwise he’d be giving those mentioned in the top three or top five prospects a run for their money. He does everything very well and solidly which, depending on your outlook, could see him as an excellent first round pick or see him drop somewhat down the first round.
How would he fit in the Flyers sytem?
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård could turn out to be a dependable forechecker that comes with a strong, two-way work ethic and has offensive mojo to boot. So basically if John Tortorella could clone the Norweigan he would. He would ideally be in the middle-six of a rebuilding team with a strong second-line presence. Although he’s another winger that doesn’t resolve the Flyers’ dearth at center, he could be a very good and complementary fit into the Flyers rebuild.
Can the Flyers actually get him?
The Flyers as it stands have a decent chance of landing Michael Brandsegg-Nygård. If they are to stay in the pre-lottery position in the twelfth spot then it’s reasonable to think he’d be strongly considered. However if for some reason his position started dropping the Flyers could have a steal with their second pick (Florida’s first acquired in the Claude Giroux trade) of the first round.
What the scouts are saying
“He’s got a commitment to staying on pucks and finishing his checks, and uses a long stick to protect pucks well out wide to his body. He’s got good straight-line skating. He looks like a projectable middle-six driver to me, and potentially a solid top-sixer as the third guy on a more talented line with the right progress. There are some who aren’t sure he’s quite skilled enough for the front half of the first round, but you won’t find any who don’t like his game/style.” — Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
“Every year has at least a prospect or two near the top of the draft who may not possess the most overwhelming offensive ceiling but has a high likelihood of playing and driving strong results anyway.This year, that prospect is Michael Brandsegg-Nygård.” — Lassi Alanen, Elite Prospects
Welcome to the poll…
The next player to be added to the poll is a forward who can play the wing and center. It’s Sacha Boisvert!
Boisvert has some amazing moments of skill, slip passes and shooting, but so often during the game he just isn’t much of a factor. He’s barely involved in transition an unreliable when he is involved defensively, but uses his skill and body to protect pucks well and stay efficient offensively. He’s got a great shot release from mid-range, and as a complimentary offensive centre, there’s tons of potential with Boisvert. There’s almost a Pierre-Luc Dubois-esque profile here. Sometimes he’s there and you really notice him, sometimes he’s not doing much and leaves you wanting. I love the ups, but there are a lot of shruggables with Boisvert.
Previously on the 2024 Community Draft Board….
