Former Griffins Finding New Homes

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Three players who've recently suited up for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, the top farm club of the Detroit Red Wings, will be playing their hockey in new locations next season.

Defenseman Josh Didier has signed with Sweden's Bjorkloven of the SHL. Forward Kiril Tyutyayev is joining Switzerland's GCK Lions. And winger Michael Milne is moving laterally, leaving the Griffins to sign with the Manitoba Moose. The Moose are the AHL farm club of the Winnipeg Jets.

Didier wore the C as captain of the Griffins during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. In both campaigns, he was also named the Griffins Man of the Year for his outstanding contributions to 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 Rocket are the top feeder club for the Montreal Canadiens.

A 23-year-old who can play either wing, Milne was acquired by the Red Wings late last season in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He spent just five games with the Griffins before being assigned to the ECHL Toledo Walleye.

Milne shows one NHL game on his resume. He suited up for the Minnesota Wild during the 2024-25 season. He signed a one-year contract with the Moose.

The Red Wings made Tyutyayev the 190th selection of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He spent 39 games with Grand Rapids from 2021 through 2023, accounting for two goals and eight points.

Tyutyayev also was with the ECHL Toledo Walleye for 55 games, accounting for 60 points. The 25-year-old can play center of left wing.

"Our young team will benefit from his hockey intelligence and playmaking skills, which he has demonstrated in Russia and North America," Patrick Hager, team manager of the GCK Lions, said in a statement.

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