The Grand Rapids Griffins’ 2025-26 season ended earlier than anyone wanted - no Calder Cup playoffs for the first time in three years. But that disappointment sparked a wave of roster turnover that’s now reshaping the hockey landscape. From Quebec to Sweden, Finland to Florida, the story of former Griffins landing new homes is one of opportunity, development, and a few surprises. Here’s who’s going where and what it means for fans who bleed red and white.
NHL & AHL Signings - Berggren, Sebrango, and Newpower Land New Digs
Jonatan Berggren Heads East: Two-Year Deal with Montreal Canadiens The biggest splash came July 23 when the 26-year-old winger inked a two-year, one-way contract with the Montreal Canadiens worth $1.35M per season. After three years shuttling between Grand Rapids and Detroit, Berggren finally gets a fresh start in the Eastern Conference. He’ll compete for a top-nine role with the Habs - and Griffins fans who watched his slick hands and hockey IQ know he’s got the skill to stick. This is the kind of story we love: a player earning a real NHL shot.
Donovan Sebrango Stays in Quebec: One-Year AHL Pact with Laval Rocket A day earlier, July 5, defenseman Donovan Sebrango - not qualified by Detroit - found a new home just a few hours east. He signed a one-year AHL contract with the Laval Rocket worth $95,000. Sebrango’s physical, shutdown style should slot nicely into Montreal’s system, and staying in Quebec keeps him close to familiar territory. For a guy who grinded through 42 games with the Griffins last season, this is a solid landing spot.
Wyatt Newpower Heads West: One-Year Deal with San Jose Barracuda On July 8, the 26-year-old blueliner packed his bags for California. Newpower signed a one-year, two-way AHL deal with the San Jose Barracuda ($90,000 AHL, $25,000 ECHL guarantee). After 42 games in Grand Rapids, he’s betting on a bigger role out West. The Barracuda are rebuilding, and Newpower’s steady, no-nonsense game could earn him top-four minutes. Another chapter in the ex-Griffin migration, this one with palm trees and Pacific sunsets.
Overseas Adventures - Hirose, Mazur, and Viro Take Their Talents Abroad
Taro Hirose Returns to Sweden: Three-Year Deal with HV71 The fan favorite - and likely 2025-26 Griffins captain candidate - didn’t just switch teams; he switched continents. On July 15, Hirose signed a three-year contract with HV71 of the SHL worth an estimated 7.5 million SEK (~$720,000) annually. The undersized playmaker cited a desire to play a top-line role, something he wasn’t guaranteed in North America. For a guy who racked up points in Grand Rapids, this is a perfect fit - Sweden loves creative forwards, and Hirose will be the man in Jönköping. Kiss the graduate goodbye with a smile, Griffins fans.
Carter Mazur Loaned to Färjestad BK for Top-Line Development Detroit’s prospect pipeline is crowded, so the Red Wings loaned former Griffins rookie Carter Mazur to Färjestad BK in the SHL on July 10. After a strong 2025-26 AHL season (18 goals, 26 assists in 58 games), Mazur needs top-line minutes to keep developing. Färjestad offers exactly that - a chance to play big minutes in a competitive league. This is less about finding a permanent home and more about a detour on the way to Detroit. But it still fits the broader theme: even temporary homes count.
Eemil Viro Goes Home: One-Year Contract with Ilves Tampere (Liiga) The Finnish defenseman’s AHL tenure was mostly underwhelming, so Viro decided to head back where it all began. On May 15, he signed a one-year deal with Ilves Tampere in the Liiga. At 24, Viro needs to recapture the form that made him a third-round pick in 2020. A return home could be just the reset he needs. For a guy who played 58 games for the Griffins last season, this feels like a smart move to rebuild confidence.
New Roles and Surprise Trades - Shine Coaches, Tuomisto Dealt, Hanas to Chicago
Dominic Shine Retires, Named Assistant Coach for the Griffins Not every former Griffin leaves the building. On July 1, the beloved captain - veteran of over 400 AHL games - announced his retirement and immediately stepped behind the bench as an assistant coach for Grand Rapids. Shine’s leadership was the heart of the team for years, and now he’ll help shape the next generation. This isn’t a playing “new home,” but it’s the most heartwarming entry on the list. The man bleeds red.
