GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins signed forward Dylan James to an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. In addition, the Detroit Red Wings signed James to a two-year, entry-level contract beginning with the 2026-27 season.

James, the 40th overall pick by Detroit in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, recently finished his senior season at the University of North Dakota, showing a collegiate-high 32 points (21-11—32), 10 penalty minutes and a plus-17 rating in 40 games. The 22-year-old became a two-time NCHC regular-season champion with the Fighting Hawks and produced 89 points (52-37—89), 48 penalty minutes and a plus-28 rating in 154 career appearances. The Calgary, Alberta, native reached the NCAA tournament in two of his four years at North Dakota and participated in the 2026 Frozen Four. 

Prior to joining the college ranks, James spent one season in the United States Hockey League with the Sioux City Musketeers in 2021-22 and totaled 61 points (28-33—61), 39 penalty minutes and a plus-18 rating in 62 regular-season games, adding eight points (5-3—8) in 10 postseason appearances. In 2021-22, he was named the USHL Rookie of the Year en route to claiming the USHL Clark Cup. James also spent parts of three seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Okotoks Oilers, logging 48 points (23-25—48) and 54 penalty minutes in 60 career contests from 2018-21. In 2019-20, James was named to the AJHL South All-Rookie Team with 43 points (20-23—43) in 51 games.  

Fans who want to experience every Griffins game at Van Andel Arena during the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs can now purchase a Griffins Playoff SuperPass. Enjoy the same great seat at significant savings plus the convenience of the “pay-as-we-play” method of payment. Click here to reserve your Griffins Playoff SuperPass or call (616) 774-4585 ext. 2.  

Photo by University of North Dakota