Welcome back to Top Shelf Prospects, the column that brings you the next crop of professional hockey players. Each day our LWOS Prospects Writers will bring you a new player profile or topical article in the lead-up to the 2024 NHL Draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow Ben Kerr, and Frederik Frandson on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical and critical profiles and scouting reports! Last Word On Hockey Prospects is your new headquarters for everything “NHL Draft”! Today we bring you our Michael Brandsegg-Nygård Scouting Report.
History is in the making at the 2024 NHL draft, as one of the top prospects in the draft hails from a country known more for skiing than skating. On the 28th of June, Michael Brandsegg-Nygård is set to become the first-ever Norwegian player selected in the first round of an NHL draft. Before this, the highest-ever pick of a Norwegian was Marius Holtet in 2002, who was selected 42nd overall. It’s a small wonder why since he has established himself as one of the best young players in the second tier of professional Swedish hockey.
With Mora IK he played 41 games and put up 18 points in the regular season. A production, which exploded in the playoffs. Here he had 10 points in 12 games. He was leading the line for Mora in their attempt to get promoted into the SHL. The bid failed, but this allowed Brandsegg-Nygård to join Norway’s national team ahead of the 2024 Worlds, where he recently scored all four goals in a match against Denmark. A performance that copied his World Juniors, where he was leading the line for Norway where he had five points in five games.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård 2024 NHL Draft Scouting Report
Forward — shoots Right
Born October 5th, 2005 — Oslo, Norway
Height 6’1″ — Weight 198lbs [186 cm / 90 kg]
Skating
There aren’t a lot of flaws to Michael Brandsegg-Nygård’s game as a whole. In almost every area he is either good or great. However, if there is a hole in his game it’s his skating. Mechanically it’s fine, but it lacks a lot of explosiveness. It’s smooth and controlled with good movement, but he doesn’t have the quickness to make the most of it. Especially the first step where he lacks a jump to get past his direct defenseman.
However that’s mostly where the negative ends. What he doesn’t have in explosiveness he makes up for in hard work. His feet are constantly moving and with great intelligence, he is an effective skater in all three zones. Transitionally he can use great awareness to get the puck in deep. On the backcheck his hard work and good size allow him to get back even against faster players.
Offensive Game
Brandsegg-Nygård might be a two-way power forward, but his best strength is his unbelievable shot. It’s a mix of raw and heavy power and a quick release. It comes off the blade in a flash and is extremely hard to read. Add to that the power behind it and it’s not a wonder he has people in Norway calling him their Ovechkin. The shot is slightly underutilized at present, but as he grows it should become more and more frequent as he gets comfortable taking over games by himself.
Another area of his game that makes him a dangerous player, is his high awareness and IQ. He reads the game well and lets the puck come to him, rather than try to get to where the puck is. A difference that makes him able to be in the right spot to make a play. Both with a strong pass or for a lethal first-timer. Brandsegg-Nygård also has a good physicality as he uses his 6-foot-1 frame to get positions in front of the net for tap-ins on the rebound.
The only offensive downside is that he can tend to miss a pass or two. The vision is good but the accuracy simply isn’t able to make the pass. However, this area can be improved as he gets more poise and experience.
Defensive Game
As mentioned Brandsegg-Nygård is a two-way player. Like many others from the Swedish youth system, they pride themselves on a strong defensive game. He works hard in the dirty areas and is strong positionally. His stickwork is one of the best among draft-class forwards, and so is his IQ. He reads the game at such a high level, that he will be able to block a ton of lanes and break up plays before they have a chance to develop. In 1-on-1’s his stick will often send the puck to the corners and prevent chances of the rush.
Projection and Comparison
In terms of a versatile and complete two-way player in the 2024 NHL draft, none are more ready than Michael Brandsegg-Nygård. While his skating and poise with the puck does require some work, he is nearly ready for the NHL already. This is due to his amazing hockey sense and amazing adaptability. He never seems to be flustered when thrown into a new situation and can adapt and learn faster than most. This makes Brandsegg-Nygård a great pick for someone looking to find a player ready for the NHL after next season. The hard work and two-way game along with a strong nose for goals from Brandsegg-Nygård is reminiscent of Mark Stone, albeit not based on ability or skill.
Main Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
