Three former Grand Rapids Griffins are heading elsewhere for next season, with Josh Didier, Kiril Tyutyayev and Michael Milne all set to continue their careers in new places.
Didier, who served as captain of the Griffins in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, has signed with Bjorkloven of Sweden’s SHL. He was also named the Griffins Man of the Year in each of those seasons for his work in the Grand Rapids community.
“Josiah is exactly the type of defenseman we have been looking for.” Bjorkloven sports director Per Kenttä said on the club’s website.
He is big, strong and very difficult to face. [Didier] plays simply and effectively, is very good in the defensive game and also comes with a natural leadership after many years as captain and assistant captain in the AHL.
“He will give us stability and routine both on and off the ice.”
Didier played last season for the Laval Rocket, the top feeder club for the Montreal Canadiens.
Milne is also moving on, though he is staying in the AHL. The 23-year-old winger, who can play either side, has signed a one-year deal with the Manitoba Moose, the Winnipeg Jets’ top farm club. Milne was acquired by the Red Wings late last season in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning, then appeared in just five games with Grand Rapids before going to the ECHL Toledo Walleye.
He has one NHL game on his résumé, coming with the Minnesota Wild during the 2024-25 season.
Tyutyayev, meanwhile, is joining GCK Lions in Switzerland. The Red Wings selected him 190th overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, and he spent 39 games with the Griffins from 2021 through 2023, finishing with two goals and eight points. He also played 55 games for the Toledo Walleye and produced 60 points.
The 25-year-old can line up at center or left wing. Patrick Hager said in a statement, “Our young team will benefit from his hockey intelligence and playmaking skills, which he has demonstrated in Russia and North America,” Patrick Hager, , said in a statement.
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