GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – This is your one-stop, authoritative source for information on who could play for the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2025-26, who is unsigned, and where former players and coaches will be this season.

Starting with players from Grand Rapids' 2024-25 roster who finished the season within the Red Wings organization, then adding new signees and other players from the organization, here are the players who could play for the Griffins this coming season unless they make Detroit's roster, are assigned to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye, or are loaned to another team.

Under Contract for 2025-26 (Contract)
D Nicklas Andrews (GR)
F Tyler Angle (GR)
F Carson Bantle (GR)
F Ondrej Becher (DET)
F Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (DET)
D Shai Buium (DET)
G Sebastian Cossa (DET)
F Nate Danielson (DET)
F Alex Doucet (DET)
F Sheldon Dries (DET) (not waivers-exempt)
F Emmitt Finnie (DET)
D Justin Holl (DET) (not waivers-exempt)
D Alex Kannok Leipert (GR)
F John Leonard (DET) (not waivers-exempt)
D William Lagesson (DET) (not waivers-exempt)
F Amadeus Lombardi (DET)
F Carter Mazur (DET)
D Ian Mitchell (DET) (not waivers-exempt)
G Michal Postava (DET)
F Jakub Rychlovský (DET)
D Axel Sandin-Pellikka (DET)
F Gabriel Seger (GR)
F Dominik Shine (DET) (not waivers-exempt)
F Eduards Tralmaks (DET)
D Jacob Truscott (GR)
D Antti Tuomisto (DET)
D William Wallinder (DET)
F Austin Watson (DET) (not waivers-exempt)

Bold indicates AHL veteran status for 2025-26, meaning he has played 261 or more games in the NHL, AHL and European Elite Leagues and is at least 25 years old. AHL teams may dress no more than six veterans each game, not including goalies.

Four players from the 2024-25 Griffins entered restricted free agency. NHL teams could retain rights to their RFAs by extending qualifying offers by Monday, June 30, while those not receiving qualifying offers became unrestricted free agents.

Restricted Free Agents
F Cross Hanas - Did not receive a qualifying offer from Detroit; Signed to a PTO by Dallas on Sept. 10; Released from PTO by Dallas on Sept. 28; Signed to a PTO by Texas (AHL) on Oct. 1
F Elmer Soderblom - Received a qualifying offer from Detroit; Re-signed to a two-year contract by Detroit on July 2
D Antti Tuomisto - Re-signed to a one-year contract from Detroit on June 26
D Eemil Viro - Received a qualifying offer from Detroit; Signed to a two-year contract by Malmo (SHL/Sweden) on June 5

Ten players became unrestricted free agents, free to sign with the Griffins, Red Wings or any organization. NHL free agency began on Tuesday, July 1 at noon.

Unrestricted Free Agents (Contract)
G Jan Bednar (GR) - Signed to a one-year contract by Assat (Liiga/Finland) on June 19
G Jack Campbell (DET)
D Josiah Didier (GR)
F Tim Gettinger (DET) - Signed to a one-year contract by Schwenninger (DEL/Germany) on July 30
F Hunter Johannes (GR) - Signed to a PTO by Florida (NHL) on Sept. 16
D Nikolai Knyzhov (GR) - Signed to a one-year contract by Abbotsford (AHL) on July 25
D William Lagesson (DET) - Re-signed to a two-year contract by Detroit on June 27
D Brogan Rafferty (DET) - Signed to a two-year contract by Växjö (SHL/Sweden) on Sept. 5
F Gabriel Seger (GR) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Grand Rapids on June 9
F Joe Snively (DET) - Signed to a one-year contract by Djurgardens (SHL/Sweden) on July 9

Finally, these are the transactions involving Griffins alumni that have taken place since just before the NHL's March 7 trade deadline. Check back often to see where your favorites will be playing and coaching in 2025-26.

Oct. 7
Adam Erne (2022-23) - Signed to a one-year contract by Dallas
Luke Glendening (2012-14) - Signed to a one-year contract by New Jersey
Hunter Johannes (2023-25) - Signed to a one-year contract by Charlotte (AHL)

Oct. 6
Kyle Criscuolo (2015-17;20-23) - Released from PTO by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL)

Oct. 5
Danny O'Regan (2022-23) - Signed to a one-year contract by Schwenninger (DEL)

Oct. 3
Carter Camper (2018-19) - Retired
Carter Mazur (2022-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit
Givani Smith (2016-17;18-21;22-23) - Signed to a one-year contract by Carolina
William Wallinder (2022-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit  

Oct. 2
Ondrej Becher (2024-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit
Shai Buium (2023-25) - Designated as injured non-roster by Detroit
Sebastian Cossa (2022-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit 
Nate Danielson (2023-25) - Designated as injured non-roster by Detroit
Sheldon Dries (2024-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit
Hunter Johannes (2024-25) - Signed to a PTO by Charlotte (AHL)
William Lagesson (2024-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit 
Amadeus Lombardi (2022-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit
Dominik Shine (2016-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit
Antti Tuomisto (2023-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit 
Austin Watson (2024-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit 

Oct. 1
Carson Bantle (2024-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit
Alex Doucet (2023-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit
Carter Gylander (2024-25) - Assigned to Toledo (ECHL) by Detroit
Cross Hanas (2022-25) - Signed to a PTO by Texas (AHL)
Jakub Rychlovsky (2024-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit
Gabriel Seger (2024-25) - Assigned to Grand Rapids by Detroit

Sept. 29
Matt Luff (2022-24) - Assigned to Springfield (AHL) by St. Louis

Sept. 28
Cross Hanas (2022-25) - Released from PTO by Dallas

Sept. 27
Brendan Smith (2010-13) - Released from PTO by Columbus 

Sept. 26
Kyle Criscuolo (2015-17;20-23) - Signed to a PTO by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL)

Sept. 16
Hunter Johannes (2023-25) - Signed to a PTO by Florida (NHL)

Sept. 11
Mattias Backman (2013-15) - Released from PTO by Linkoping (SHL/Sweden)

Sept. 10
Adam Erne (2022-23) - Signed to a PTO by Dallas
Cross Hanas (2022-25) - Signed to a PTO by Dallas

Sept. 5
Luke Glendening (2012-14) - Signed to a PTO by New Jersey
Brogan Rafferty (2023-25) - Signed to a two-year contract by Växjö (SHL/Sweden)

Sept. 4
Donovan Sebrango (2020-23) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Ottawa

Aug. 27
Givani Smith (2016-17;18-21;22-23) - Signed to a PTO by Carolina

Aug. 25
D.J. King (2021-22) - Signed to a one-year contract by South Carolina (ECHL)
Jasper Weatherby (2022-23) - Signed to a one-year contract by Liberec (Tipsport Extraliga/Czechia)

Aug. 22
Kyle Wood (2019-20) - Signed to a contract by Iserlohn (DEL/Germany)

Aug. 19
Anton Johansson (2024-25) - Loaned to Leksands (SHL/Sweden) by Detroit
Brendan Smith (2010-13) - Signed to a PTO by Columbus

Aug. 15
Jarid Lukosevicius (2018-21) - Signed to a one-year contract by Orlando (ECHL)
Patrik Rybar (2018-19) - Re-signed to a two-year contract by Shanghai (KHL/China)

Aug. 11
Jake Chelios (2018-19) - Retired

Aug. 8
Teemu Pulkkinen (2012-15) - Signed to a one-year contract by Vantaa (Mestis/Finland)
Jakub Vrana (2022-23) - Signed to a two-year contract by Linkoping (SHL/Sweden)

Aug. 4
Alden Hirschfeld (2013-16) - Stepped down from assistant coach position with Toledo (ECHL)
Derek King (1999-01; 02-04; AC 02-04) - Named head coach of Hershey (AHL)

Aug. 3
Colin Campbell (2013-19) - Signed to a contract by Storhamar (Eliteserien/Norway)

Aug. 1
Francis Pare (2008-13) - Named head coach for Séminaire Saint-François M18 AAA

July 30
Ryan Bednard (2022-23) - Signed to a one-year contract by Dusseldorfer (DEL2/Germany)
Randy Gazzola (2021-22) - Signed to a one-year contract by Vienna (ICEHL/Austria)
Tim Gettinger (2023-25) - Signed to a one-year contract by Schwenninger (DEL/Germany)

July 25
Nikolai Knyzhov (2024-25) - Signed to a one-year contract by Abbotsford (AHL)
Harri Sateri (2018-19) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Biel-Bienne (NL/Switzerland)

July 23
Mattias Backman (2013-15) - Will not return to Asker (Eliteserien/Norway)

July 22
Bruce Cassidy (HC 2000-02) - Named assistant coach for Team Canada at 2026 Winter Olympic Games
Kirill Tyutyayev (2021-23) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Fort Wayne (ECHL)

July 20
Adam Almquist (2011-14) - Will not return to Kolner (DEL/Germany)

July 19
Tory Dello (19-21;24-25) - Signed to a contract by Karlovy Vary (Tipsport Extraliga/Czechia)

July 17
Alec McCrea (2019-20) - Signed to a one-year contract by Dresdner (DEL/Germany)

July 16
Sebastien Piche (2009-12) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Brasov (Erste Liga/Romania)
Joe Veleno (2019-22) - Signed to a one-year contract by Montreal

July 13
Filip Zadina (2018-20;22-23) - Re-signed to a two-year contract by Davos (NL/Switzerland)

July 10
Matt Macdonald (AC 2018-23) - Named GM/head coach of Orlando (ECHL)

July 9
Joe Snively (2024-25) - Signed to a one-year contract by Djurgardens (SHL/Sweden)

July 8
Cedric Lacroix (2022-23) - Signed to a contract by Cardiff (EIHL/Great Britain)

July 7
Joel Bouchard (2000-01) - Named GM of Syracuse (AHL)

July 4
Madison Bowey (2019-20) - Signed to a one-year contract by Augsburger (DEL/Germany)

July 3
Martin Frk (2013-17;18-19) - Signed to a one-year contract by Calgary (AHL)

July 2
Erik Bradford (2021-22) - Signed to a one-year contract by Dusseldorfer (DEL2/Germany)
Axel Holmstrom (2016-19) - Signed to a one-year contract by Litvinov (Tipsport Extraliga/Czechia)
Anthony Mantha (2014-17) - Signed to a one-year contract by Pittsburgh
Wyatt Newpower (2021-24) - Signed to a one-year contract by Iowa (AHL)
Gustav Nyquist (2010-14) - Signed to a one-year contract by Winnipeg
Elmer Soderblom (2022-25) - Re-signed to a two-year contract by Detroit 
Evgeny Svechnikov (2015-18;19-21) - Signed to a one-year contract by Khabarovsk (KHL/Russia)

July 1
Dennis Cholowski (2016-21) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by New Jersey
Matt Luff (2022-24) - Signed to a one-year contract by St. Louis
Alex Nedeljkovic (2022-23) - Traded to San Jose by Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2028 3rd round pick
Tomas Nosek (2014-17) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Florida (NHL)
Chris Terry (2018-20) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Bridgeport (AHL)

June 30
Jonatan Berggren (2021-24) - Re-signed to a one-year contract from Detroit 
Cross Hanas (2022-25) - Did not receive a qualifying offer from Detroit 
Albert Johansson (2022-24) - Re-signed to a two-year contract from Detroit
Elmer Soderblom (2022-25) - Received a qualifying offer from Detroit
Eemil Viro (2022-25) - Received a qualifying offer from Detroit

June 28
Ville Husso (2023-25) - Signed to a two-year contract by Anaheim
Petr Mrazek (2012-15) - Traded to Anaheim by Detroit along with a 2026 4th round pick and a 2027 2nd round pick in exchange for John Gibson
Joe Veleno (2019-22) - Placed on waivers by Seattle for purpose of contract buyout

June 27
William Lagesson (2024-25) - Re-signed to a two-year contract by Detroit

June 26
Alexey Marchenko (2013-16) - Re-signed to a two-year contract by Kazan (KHL/Russia)
Nolan Stevens (2023-24) - Signed to a one-year contract by Leksands (SHL/Sweden)
Antti Tuomisto (2023-25) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Detroit 

June 25
Cory Emmerton (2006-11;13-14) - Named an assistant coach by Lausanne (NL/Switzerland)

June 24
Charlie Curti (2022-23) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Guildford (EIHL/Great Britain)

June 23
Patrick Holway (2020-21) - Signed to a one-year contract by Rouen (Ligue Magnus/France)

June 22
Ryan Sproul (2012-16;17-18) - Signed to a one-year contract by Poprad (Tipos Extraliga/Slovakia)

June 21
Joe Veleno (2019-22) - Traded to Seattle by Chicago (NHL) in exchange for Andre Burakovsky

June 20
Todd Nelson (1996-98;99-00;01-02; AC 02-03; HC15-18) - Named an assistant coach by Pittsburgh

June 19
Jan Bednar (2024-25) - Signed to a one-year contract by Assat (Liiga/Finland)

June 18
Matt Berry (2021-22) - Signed to a one-year contract by Dundee (EIHL/Scotland)
Dan Renouf (2015-18;21-22) - Signed to a one-year contract by Mannheim (DEL/Germany)

June 17
Aaron Schneekloth (2002-04) - Named an assistant coach by Seattle (NHL)

June 16
Moritz Seider (2019-20) - Named to Team Germany's preliminary roster for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games
Tomas Tatar (2009-13) - Named to Team Slovakia's preliminary roster for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games

June 13
Trenton Bliss (2021-25) - Signed to a one-year contract by Stavanger (Eliteserien/Norway)
Andreas Lilja (2009-10) - Named an assistant coach by ZSC (NL/Switzerland)

June 12
Magnus Hellberg (2022-23) - Signed to a three-year contract by Djurgarden (SHL/Sweden)
Tyler Spezia (2018-24) - Signed to a one-year contract by Nurnberg (DEL/Germany)

June 10
Oliwer Kaski (2019-20) - Signed to a one-year contract by Kolner (DEL/Germany)

June 9
Gabriel Seger (2024-25) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Grand Rapids

June 7
Riley Sawchuk (2022-24) - Signed to a one-year contract by Togliatti (KHL/Russia)

June 5
Gustav Lindstrom (2019-21) - Signed to a five-year contract by Djurgarden (SHL/Sweden)
Eemil Viro (2022-25) - Signed to a two-year contract by Malmo (SHL/Sweden)

June 4
Riley Barber (2020-22) - Signed to a one-year contract by Ingolstadt (DEL/Germany)
Tom McCollum (2009-16;17-18) - Signed to a contract by Kitzbuheler (AlpsHL/Austria)

June 3
Chase Pearson (2018-23) - Signed to a one-year contract by Nottingham (EIHL/Great Britain)
Nolan Stevens (2023-24) - Will not return to Sodertalje (HockeyAllsvenskan/Sweden)

June 1
Oliwer Kaski (2019-20) - Will not return to HV71 (SHL/Sweden)
Evgeny Svechnikov (2015-18;19-21) - Will not return to Nizhny Novgorod (KHL/Russia)

May 30
Turner Elson (2017-22) - Signed to a contract by Bratislava (Tipos Extraliga/Slovakia)
Jared Nightingale (2014-15) - Named head coach of Rockford (AHL)
Dennis Yan (2021-22) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Ufa (KHL/Russia)

May 29
Matt Macdonald (AC 2018-23) - Will not return to Bridgeport (AHL) as assistant coach
Trevor Parkes (2011-14) - Signed to a one-year contract by Dresdner (DEL/Germany)

May 28
Stacy Roest (2002-03) - Will not return to Syracuse (AHL) as general manager

May 27
Patrick Curry (2020-22) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by KalPa (Liiga/Finland)
Tomas Tatar (2009-13) - Signed to a two-year contract by Zug (NL/Switzerland)

May 24
Steven Kampfer (2022-23) - Retired

May 23
Gleason Fournier (2011-14) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Cardiff (EIHL/Great Britain)
Trevor Parkes (2011-14) - Will not return to Munchen (DEL/Germany)

May 22
Dick Axelsson (2009-10) - Retired
Jeff Blashill (HC 2012-15) - Named head coach by Chicago (NHL)
Justin DeMartino (VC 2021-22) - Named an assistant coach by Ferris State (CCHA)

May 21
Alexis D'Aoust (2021-22) - Signed to a one-year contract by Lausitzer (DEL2/Germany)

May 20
Hugo Boisvert (2001-04) - Named assistant coach of Regensburg (DEL2/Germany)

May 19
Libor Sulak (2017-19) - Re-signed to a two-year contract by Vladivostok (KHL/Russia)

May 17
Jasper Weatherby (2022-23) - Will not return to Pardubice (Czechia)

May 14
Jakub Kindl (2005-11;14-16) - Signed to a contract by Bordeaux (Ligue Magnus/France)

May 13
Dominic Turgeon (2016-21) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Kassel (DEL2/Germany)

May 12
Albin Grewe (2020-21) - Re-signed to a two-year contract by Djurgardens (SHL/Sweden)

May 8
Blake Hillman (2019-20;21-22) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Hartford (AHL)

May 7
Dick Axelsson (2009-10) - Will not return to Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan/Sweden)

May 5
Charle-Edouard D'Astous (2019-21) - Signed to a one-year contract by Tampa Bay
Dylan St. Cyr (2022-23) - Retired

May 1
Louis-Marc Aubry (2011-17) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Kolner (DEL/Germany)
Austin Czarnik (2022-24) - Signed to a two-year contract by Lausanne (NL/Switzerland)
Andy Miele (2014-16) - Signed to a one-year contract by Fischtown (DEL/Germany)
Mark Zengerle (2014-16) - Signed to a one-year contract by Krefeld (DEL2/Germany)

April 29
Valtteri Filppula (2005-07) - Retired

April 27
Jan Mursak (2006-07;08-13) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by EC-KAC (ICEHL/Austria)

April 25
Seth Barton (2020-23) - Signed to a contract by Malmo (SHL/Sweden)
Jared McIsaac (2020-24) - Will not return to Litvinov (Czechia)

April 21
Luke Esposito (2017-18) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Mannheim (DEL/Germany)

April 17
Eddie Pasquale (2016-17) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Pustertal (ICEHL/Italy)

April 16
Luke Witkowski (2021-22) - Will not return to Skelleftea (SHL/Sweden)

April 14
Matej Machovsky (2017-18) - Re-signed to a three-year contract by Olomouc (Czechia)

April 10
Axel Holmstrom (2016-19) - Will not return to Sport (Liiga/Finland)

April 6
Tylor Spink (2016-17) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Schwenninger (DEL/Germany)

April 3
Blake Hillman (2019-20;21-22) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Hartford

April 1
Erik Bradford (2021-22) - Will not return to Oskarshamn (HockeyAllsvenskan/Sweden)
Carter Camper (2018-19) - Will not return to Oskarshamn (HockeyAllsvenskan/Sweden)
Turner Elson (2017-22) - Will not return to Plzen (Czechia)

March 27
Dylan McIlrath (2016-21) - Re-signed a two-year contract with Washington
Matt Puempel (2017-20) - Will not return to Schwenninger (DEL/Germany)

March 25
Patrick Holway (2020-21) - Will not return to Villacher (ICEHL/Austria)
Chase Pearson (2018-23) - Will not return to Villacher (ICEHL/Austria)

March 20
Joe Hicketts (2016-21) - Re-signed a two-year contract with Los Angeles

March 17
Joel L'Esperance (2022-24) - Retired
Mark Zengerle (2014-16) - Will not return to Augsburger (DEL/Germany)

March 14
Tory Dello (2019-21;24-25) - Traded to New Jersey by Detroit in exchange for future considerations

March 7
Dennis Cholowski (2016-21) - Traded to New Jersey by the New York Islanders in exchange for Adam Beckman
Petr Mrazek (2012-15) - Traded to Detroit by Chicago (NHL) with Craig Smith in exchange for Joe Veleno
Givani Smith (2016-17;18-21;22-23) - Traded to Philadelphia by Colorado (NHL) in exchange for Erik Johnson
Joe Veleno (2019-22) - Traded to Chicago (NHL) by Detroit in exchange for Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith

March 6
Jakub Vrana (2022-23) - Claimed by Nashville off waivers from Washington

March 5
Austin Watson (2024-25) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Detroit

March 1
Samuel Dove-McFalls (2021-22) - Re-signed to a one-year contract by Nurnberg (DEL/Germany)
Gustav Nyquist (2010-14) - Traded to Minnesota by Nashville in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft

Feb. 25
Xavier Ouellet (2013-16) - Re-signed to a two-year contract by Minsk (KHL/Belarus)

Feb. 24
Ville Husso (2023-25) - Traded to Anaheim by Detroit in exchange for future considerations