Notebook: Berggren breaks Griffins franchise rookie points record

Grand Rapids Griffins forward Jonatan Berggren continues to have quite the rookie AHL season.

Berggren, who was the Detroit Red Wings' 33rd overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, set a new Griffins single-season rookie scoring record with his 60th point, which came at 5:39 in the third period against the Chicago Wolves on Sunday. The 21-year-old accomplished the feat with an assist, his second helper of the afternoon, on forward Riley Barber's second goal.

"Berggren is a great player," fellow Red Wings prospect Taro Hirose said. "It's really easy to play with him. You just have to get open and he's gonna find you in spots on the ice where you're gonna be able to make plays and skate with the puck."
Berggren is currently riding a season-high nine-game point streak.
"I'm just trying to help the team win games," Berggren said. "I know I'm an offensive player, so I need to score goals for us to have a chance to win."
Aside from passing former Griffins forward Teemu Pulkkinen's 59-point mark (2013-14) to claim the rookie scoring title, Berggren's 40 helpers are the most by a Griffins rookie and his 20 goals are tied for eighth-most.
"Of course it feels good to score goals and get points," Berggren said. "But for me, the most important things are the team wins."
Through 68 games, Berggren currently ranks second in assists and third in points among AHL rookies.

Staal nominated for 2022 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

The Professional Hockey Writers Association announced Monday that Red Wings veteran defenseman Marc Staal is the Detroit PHWA Chapter's nominee for the 2022 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the sport.
Staal, Detroit's alternate captain, has skated in in 71 games this season, recording 16 points, including 13 assists. The 35-year-old skated in his 1,000th career game against the Calgary Flames on March 13.

The top three vote-getters will be deemed as finalists. The Masterson Trophy will be awarded between Games 3 and 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Wallinder voted SHL's top U20 player

The Red Wings' rising young Swedish talent continues to shine.
Last Wednesday, it was announced that Rögle BK defenseman and Detroit prospect William Wallinder was named the top U20 player in the SHL for the 2021-22 season.

Wallinder, the Red Wings' 32nd pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, led all U20 defensemen with 19 points in 47 games this season.
The 19-year-old is the second consecutive Red Wings prospect to win the award, as Moritz Seider took home the honor last season before making his jump to the NHL.