Top Red Wings prospect Antti Tuomisto signs one-year, two-way deal after breakout AHL season

The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed Finnish defenseman Antti Tuomisto to a one-year, two-way contract following a breakout season in the AHL. The 24-year-old blueliner made major strides with the Grand Rapids Griffins, proving he’s on track for NHL duty.

With size, skill, and upside, Tuomisto is one of Detroit’s most promising defensive prospects.

Antti Tuomisto’s development into a promising NHL defenseman

The 2024-25 season was a breakthrough for Antti Tuomisto, as he established himself as a core contributor on the blue line for the Grand Rapids Griffins. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound defenseman led all Griffins blueliners in assists (24), points (27), penalty minutes (54), and shots (109) over 67 regular-season games. He also appeared in two Calder Cup Playoff games, continuing to showcase his two-way reliability.Tuomisto, drafted 35th overall by Detroit in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, has climbed the developmental ladder with patience and precision. He recorded 17 points in 50 games during the 2023-24 AHL season and also made a strong impact with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye, registering six points in five games. His ability to adapt and contribute across multiple levels has caught the attention of Red Wings management.

Before turning pro, Tuomisto played two seasons at the University of Denver, where he helped the Pioneers win the 2022 NCAA Division I national championship alongside Red Wings prospects Shai Buium and Carter Mazur.

In college, he tallied 20 points and maintained a solid +18 rating, proving himself both offensively and defensively.Tuomisto’s roots in Finland are just as impressive. In 2019-20, he earned the Teemu Selänne Award (Player of the Year) and Reijo Ruotsalainen Award (Best Defenseman) after putting up 49 points in 48 games with Ässät’s U20 team. He has also represented Team Finland at the 2019 IIHF U18 World Championship and the 2017 World U17 Hockey Challenge.Also Read: NHL trade rumors: Rangers could move K’Andre Miller to land $56 million defensemanThe new two-way deal allows Detroit to keep Tuomisto within the organization while offering the flexibility of further AHL development or an NHL call-up. With his size, skill set, and steady progress, Tuomisto is positioning himself as a serious contender for a spot on the Red Wings’ blue line in the near future.