Griffins opens the season with 9 rookies on the roster

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – When the Grand Rapids Griffins open the season Friday night, fans will see some familiar faces in the roster as well as some fresh new talent from the Red Wings’ potential pipeline.

The Griffins have nine rookies on their roster going into the 2022-2023 AHL regular season:

Pontus Andreasson (F) – Free agent signing

• Trenton Bliss (F) – Free agent signing and Michigan Tech alum
• Cross Hanas (F) – 55th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft
• Kirill Tyutyayev (F) – 190th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft
• Drew Worrad (F) – Free agent signing and WMU graduate
• Simon Edvinsson (D) – 6th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft
• Albert Johansson (D) – 60th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft
• Eemil Viro (D) – 70th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft
• Sebastian Cossa (G) – 15th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft

All of the above draft picks were explored and developed under the regime of Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman.

During the offseason, the Red Wings witnessed a major leadership change new head coach Derek Lalonde, who previously coached for former Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. In Grand Rapids, head coach Ben Simon returns for his fifth season. Simon and his team will try to recover from a disappointing 2021-2022 season that saw the Griffins miss the playoffs.

Fans watching the Griffins’ broadcast this season will hear two familiar voices. WOOD TV8 alum Larry Figurski and Bob Kaser return to the booth for season 23 for the network duo.

“Last season they were missing the second goal, we have a lot of guys who can do that – they are much stronger on the blue line and they could be really good in goal,” said Figurski.

The Griffins will open the 2022-2023 season against the San Diego Gulls on Friday at Van Andel Arena. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m

The Red Wings also open their season at home against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday.