The Grand Rapids Griffins open their season on Friday night, and the Red Wings will be watching with interest.
One of the things about being a team built around youth: your AHL affiliate holds outsize importance.
When the Griffins drop the puck against the Rockford IceHogs at 7 p.m. on Friday, they'll do so with a roster that includes a number of players that could play for the Red Wings - either this year or further down the line. After a heated competition for roster spots during training camp, this group will be eager to prove themselves and earn call-ups to Detroit as soon as possible.
Six prospects to watch in Grand Rapids
Veleno, Berggren headline roster for Griffins
![Joe Veleno](https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/private/t_ratio16_9-size20/f_auto/prd/la07ejnjhfmksocexeze.jpg)
© Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
PIT@DET: Veleno rifles puck by DeSmith for lead
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CBJ@DET: Hirose deflects a shot into the net