The Scouting Report:
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, born on October 6th, 2005, is a top-eligible prospect in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The Norwegian phenomenon can become the highest-ever drafted prospect out of Norway in NHL Draft History. Marius Holtet was the highest every Norwegian-born player at 42nd overall back in 2002 by the Dallas Stars.
The 6-foot-1, 194-pound right-winger is defensively responsible, smart, and plays a well-rounded, mature game which projects him very high. He played for Mora IK J20 for seven games in the J20 Nationell where he posted 12 points (5G, 7A) where he was called up to the Mora IK senior team in HockeyAllsvenskan. While Brandsegg-Nygard posted just 18 points (8G, 10A) in the 41 games he played, he was a force in the playoffs for Mora IK. He posted an impressive 10 points (4G, 6A) in 12 games and was a shining star in tournaments throughout the year.
While Norway was relegated in the 2024 World Junior Championship, Brandsegg-Nygard helped put Team Norway on his shoulders in every international competition he competed in. Throughout 27 games for Team Norway, he posted 26 points (18G, 8A) as the top-scoring threat available to Norway.
Brandsegg-Nygard’s a crafty winger with a lot of potential; he’s pushed the limits and is setting his own goals now. His game is incredibly complete, and he’s got a nice scoring touch to what he does, and he relies on his many strengths to help him play to the very end. The confidence is shown in his skating and shooting, and he might immediately step into the NHL because of it.
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Ranked #15 by Inside The Rink
Ranked #6 by NHL Central Scouting (European Skaters)
Ranked #20 by TSN/Bob McKenzie
Ranked #16 by Sportsnet
Conrad Jack of Inside The Rink has Michael Brandsegg-Nygard projected at 15th overall.
I’ve highlighted some of Michael Brandsegg-Nygard’s attributes, let’s take a deeper dive into his attributes and areas for improvement.
Diving Deeper:
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is known for a well-rounded and smart game, I want to dive into some of the aspects of his game that make him stand out as a top prospect in this draft. He’s like a Swiss army knife player and the pros outweigh the minimal cons.
Defensive Game
When I watched Brandsegg-Nygard during the 2024 World Junior Championship tournament, I saw a player who was defensively responsible and almost played like a rover. While Team Norway didn’t win a game in the tournament, they limited their opponents to just eight goals a game at the worst. They didn’t get blown apart like most teams do in these tournaments, but they didn’t come out unscathed.
He helped Norway limit Czechia to four goals and showed the true potential he has as a two-way player. He positions himself consistently on both the defensive and offensive side of the puck and his defensemen know he will always be there to help as needed.
He’s got a long way to go as he needs to fill out his frame a little more, but he uses his body and strength to protect the puck and play smart hockey. He’s got the mindset to work until the final buzzer and fight for every minute as if he were the 13th forward, but he does it smart, and he really shows that in every shift he takes.
“One of the most purely competitive forwards in the draft, Brandsegg-Nygard finds many different ways to impact the game. He’s physical, aggressive on the forecheck and can be a very tricky player to play against. On top of that, he has enough skill and a higher-end shot that should allow him to contribute offensively as well.”
Chris Peters – Flo Hockey – June 3, 2024
Strong Shooting
Complimenting his offensive side, Brandsegg-Nygard has a lethal shot and it might be the most lethal in the entire draft class. Scouts surely won’t overlook this either, Brandsegg-Nygard, if given just a little space and time can penetrate a strong defensive system with a quick and accurate shot.
He can be a great power play threat and penalty killer for any team that drafts him, but he really shines in the no-nonsense forechecking and no cheating for offence. While he didn’t score much with Mora IK, he really turned on the jets in international competition for a Norwegian team that desperately needed scoring.
Brandsegg-Nygard is competitive and jumps on a player’s defensive mistakes by making sure he gets pucks in deep and on the net, which coaches and scouts will surely love.
“A competitive power forward with very good skating, excellent offensive instincts and a great winning attitude. He has solid size and strength, effective in battles both in open ice and along the boards. Has the tools needed to become very good.”
Central Scouting – April 16, 2024
Hockey IQ
Brandsegg-Nygard is also an incredibly smart player, which I’ve touched on briefly. He knows when to take risks, but he also knows when to dial it back. He’s got a competitive level that might be the best in the draft class and he’s built his game off of sheer will and determination to get better.
I mentioned earlier that he can act like a rover, and that is something Michael Brandsegg-Nygard embodies in his game. He is a strong and smart two-way player who roams around the entirety of the ice and if the modern NHL game still had a rover, Brandsegg-Nygard would be in that position purely based on his incredible two-way game.
He’s really packed a punch in his 2023-24 draft-eligible season and is taking his talents to Skelleftea AIK in the SHL to further develop as a player. His current game could land him a fringe NHLer role if he wanted to take the leap immediately, but the route he’s taking is also the smartest and best for his professional development.
Prospect Potential:
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and his family won’t be wondering if he will be drafted on June 28th, they will be wondering when he will be drafted in the first round. With tons of potential and a really strong overall game, Brandsegg-Nygard is one of the safer picks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft which might have him called in the early to mid first round.
Realistically, I can see Michael Brandsegg-Nygard becoming an NHL top-nine regular who scores around 50-65 points a season. Any team picking up Brandsegg-Nygard will be getting one great player to inject into their lineup.
Best Potential Fit:
With Michael Bransegg-Nygard likely being selected anywhere from sixth overall to 20th overall, here are a few teams that he can make an impact with should they draft him.
Seattle Kraken: with the eighth overall pick, the Seattle Kraken should look to add Brandsegg-Nygard due to his incredibly well-rounded game. Seattle needs a goal scorer and someone with tons of potential, Brandsegg-Nygard makes sense if Eiserman is already gone.
Buffalo Sabres: with the 11th overall pick, the Buffalo Sabres could bolster their depth with the addition of Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. Buffalo is an up-and-coming team, but they could use an injection that will help them in 2025-26.
Washington Capitals: with the 17th overall pick, the Washington Capitals could begin to speed up their pending rebuild with the addition of Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.
Vegas Golden Knights: with the 19th overall pick, the Vegas Golden Knights could seriously bolster their prospect cabinet by drafting Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.
Final Thoughts:
I have watched and scouted Michael Brandsegg-Nygard for close to six full months. Given the right team with tons of talent surrounding him, he can flourish if he’s given fewer responsibilities and a more clear-cut role that isn’t throwing his national team on his back.
Highlights via MyNHLDraft.com
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