The Detroit Red Wings’ American Hockey League affiliate will remain in Grand Rapids for the foreseeable future.
On Monday, the Red Wings and Grand Rapids Griffins announced a five-year extension of their affiliation agreement through the 2026-27 season.
“Grand Rapids continues to be a model franchise both on and off the ice and we’re excited to continue our partnership,” said Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said in a statement. “The winning culture established by the Griffins is extremely beneficial for the development of our young players and the fans in Grand Rapids do a tremendous job creating an exciting atmosphere to support the growth of our players.”
During the Red Wings and Griffins’ 20-year partnership, Grand Rapids has won two Calder Cups (2013, 2017) and has sent 112 players to the Red Wings. The Griffins qualified for the AHL’s postseason in seven-straight years from 2013-19 and have posted a 383-250-35-35 regular-season record since 2012-13, which is tied for the third-most wins by any AHL franchise during that period.
Grand Rapids will continue to play at 10,834-seat Van Andel Arena, which is located just 157 miles away from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Red Wings will continue to oversee the Griffins’ day-to-day hockey operations, led by Red Wings assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff, who also serves as the Griffins’ general manager.
Last season, 19 of the 38 players who suited up for the Red Wings once played for the Griffins.
“We are excited that the 20-year relationship between the Griffins and the Red Wings, one of the premier NHL/AHL partnerships, is continuing,” said Scott Gorsline, executive vice president of DP Fox and COO/alternate governor for the Griffins. “Steve Yzerman, Shawn Horcoff and the entire Red Wings organization are great partners, and we look forward to exciting and competitive hockey in Detroit and Grand Rapids over the next five years.”