The Detroit Red Wings announced on Monday morning that they have extended their affiliation with the Grand Rapids Griffins, their longtime American Hockey League minor league affiliate, through the 2026-27 season.

The Griffins have been the Red Wings top minor league affiliate (comparable with Triple-A in baseball) since 2002.  Since that time, Grand Rapids has won the AHL's league title, the Calder Cup in 2013 & 2017.

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Red Wings General Manager and Executive VP Steve Yzerman (pictured above) commented on Monday's announcement:

"Grand Rapids continues to be a model franchise both on and off the ice and we're excited to continue our partnership, 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."

Griffins executive VP Scott Gorsline said about Monday's announcement:

"We are excited that the 20-year relationship between the Griffins and the Red Wings, one of the premier NHL/AHL partnerships, is continuing, 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."

Among the former Griffins that are on the Red Wings now include:  Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Filip Hronek, and last season's Calder Trophy winner (for the NHL's best defenseman) Moritz Seider.

Before 2002, the Red Wings were affiliated with Cincinnati (shared with the Anaheim Ducks) from 1999-2002 and Adirondack from 1979-1999.  The Wings have a secondary affiliate in Toledo, Ohio (much like Double-A in baseball).  The Toledo Walleye play in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).

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