Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (born 5 October 2005) is a Norwegian professional ice hockey forward for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 15th overall by the Red Wings in the 2024 NHL entry draft, becoming the first Norwegian ever selected in the first round.
Brandsegg-Nygård made his senior professional debut for Vålerenga Ishockey of Norway's EliteHockey Ligaen (EHL) as a 16 year old, appearing in eight EHL games in addition to playing at the under-20 level. He was offered a spot in the system of Swedish club Mora IK midway through the year, but chose to remain in Norway until the season ended.[1]
Turning down an offer of a full time EHL role with Vålerenga,[1] Brandsegg-Nygård joined Mora for the 2022–23 season, appearing in 11 games in the second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan and 35 in the J20 Nationell.[2] He made his Allsvenskan debut a week after turning 17, on 12 October 2022,[3] and scored his first goal in the league against Tingsryds AIF on 7 November 2022.[1]
In his draft-eligible season, Brandsegg-Nygård once again split time between the professional and junior levels, recording eight goals and ten assists in 41 Allsvenskan games.[4] His shot, hockey IQ, and mature game were among the features lauded by scouts, who projected him as a first round pick and possibly "the best prospect Norway has ever produced."[2][5]
On 17 May 2024, Swedish Hockey League (SHL) club Skellefteå AIK announced that they had signed Brandsegg-Nygård to a one-year contract.[6] On 28 June 2024, at the 2024 NHL entry draft, he was selected 15th overall by the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the first Norwegian player selected in the first round.[7] Two weeks later, on 11 July, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Red Wings.[8]
Brandsegg-Nygård made his senior international debut at the 2022 MECA Hockey Games, appearing against Latvia and Denmark as a 17 year old.[9][10]
At Division I A of the 2023 World Junior Championships, Brandsegg-Nygård and the Norway junior team finished in first, earning promotion to the top division for the first time in nearly 10 years.[11]
Returning to Norway's team for the 2024 World Junior Championships, he had three goals and five points in five games, with an average of 17:22 of time on ice.[12] In the relegation match against Germany junior team, Norway lost 5–4 in overtime to be sent back to Division I A.[13]
In his senior-level team debut at the 2024 World Championship, Brandsegg-Nygård was the third youngest player, behind teammate Stian Solberg and Finnish forward Konsta Helenius.[14] He finished the tournament with three goals and five points in seven games, with each of his goals coming off assists from Mats Zuccarello.[15]
Brandsegg-Nygård is the son of Kjell Richard Nygård [no], who played over 450 games for Vålerenga in the top level Norwegian EliteHockey Ligaen and made many appearances with the Norway senior team.[16][17]