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New-Look Griffins Open 2026-27 With Youth, Opportunity and Plenty of Questions
Turnover has reshaped Grand Rapids, but a promising prospect wave and a veteran core give the club a compelling foundation...
By Jason Kasiorek
www.griffinscentral.com
October 1st, 2026
The 2026-27 Grand Rapids Griffins may not make anyone forget last season's record-setting club, but they could help build the foundation for the organization's next contender. Grand Rapids surged to the top of the AHL in 2025-26 before fading late and falling short in the playoffs. An offseason of major change across the Detroit Red Wings organization has since reshaped the roster.
Several familiar faces are gone, including Eduards Tralmaks, Amadeus Lombardi, Erik Gustafsson, Jakub Rychlovsky, Wojciech Stachowiak, Sebastian Cossa and Antti Tuomisto. Meanwhile, Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Anton Johansson, William Wallinder and Carter Mazur earned spots on Detroit's opening roster, though the usual movement between the NHL and AHL could change the picture quickly.
The new roster still has a dependable spine. John Leonard, Sheldon Dries and captain Dominik Shine return to lead the forward group, joined by Wilmer Skoog, Cameron Butler and Swiss League standout Theo Rochette. Ondrej Becher will be counted on to take another offensive step, while rookies Dylan James, Jesse Kiiskinen, Noah Dower-Nilsson, Kienan Draper and Sutter Muzzatti bring upside and competition for larger roles.
On defense, William Lagesson, Alex Kannok-Leipert and Shai Buium are the primary returning regulars. Jacob Bryson and Ronnie Attard add experience, Justice Christensen offers puck-moving ability, and Jacob Truscott rounds out a group that should be steadier than its relative lack of continuity suggests.
In goal, Michal Postava enters the season as the likely starter. Trey Augustine and Carter Gylander give the organization two additional options, but the central development question is where Augustine will play most consistently. A move to Toledo could give him a heavier workload; staying in Grand Rapids would likely mean sharing AHL starts.
Projected Opening Lines
• John Leonard - Sheldon Dries - Dominik Shine
• Wilmer Skoog - Theo Rochette - Noah Dower-Nilsson
• Dylan James - Ondrej Becher - Jesse Kiiskinen
• Cameron Butler - Sutter Muzzatti - Kienan Draper
• Tag Bertuzzi - Nolan Moyle
Leonard is dealing with an undisclosed issue and may not be available for Friday's opener, which could create an opportunity for Tag Bertuzzi or Nolan Moyle.
Projected Defensive Pairings
• Jacob Bryson - Ronnie Attard
• Shai Buium - Alex Kannok-Leipert
• William Lagesson - Justice Christensen
• Jacob Truscott
Five Storylines to Watch
1. Detroit's roster churn. A reassignment involving Mazur, Wallinder, Brandsegg-Nygård, Sandin-Pellikka or Johansson would immediately change the Griffins' ceiling.
2. The goaltending rotation. Postava, Augustine and Gylander give the organization options, but playing time—and where each goalie receives it—will be central to their development.
3. Leonard's availability. The veteran scorer's health is especially important after injuries also interrupted his 2025-26 season.
4. Rochette's transition. The Swiss League standout has the skill to become an impact AHL forward and potentially push for an NHL opportunity.
5. The Dylan Larkin situation. Any future transaction involving Detroit's captain could ripple through the organization and alter Grand Rapids' depth.
This Griffins team is younger, less proven and likely more volatile than last year's group. It is also stocked with players whose development could shape the Red Wings' future. If the veterans provide stability and the prospects mature quickly, Grand Rapids can remain competitive while serving its larger purpose: preparing the organization's next wave for Detroit.
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