Red Wings’ farm team signs ex-Wolverines captain Nolan Moyle

By admin — In News — July 11, 2026

   ​The Grand Rapids Griffins announced on Friday that they have signed former Michigan Wolverines captain Nolan Moyle to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. Moyle, who is 27 years old and a native of Royal Oak, made his American Hockey League debut with the Griffins on November 12, 2025. In 16 games with Grand Rapids, the team’s top minor-league affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, he recorded two points (one goal, one assist), collected 15 penalty minutes, and posted a plus-five rating.
Moyle also spent time in other leagues during the 2025-26 season. He played in the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye, where he accumulated 10 points (five goals, five assists) in nine games. Additionally, he skated in six games for EC-AC in the ICEHL, Austria’s premier professional league, contributing eight points (one goal, seven assists).
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 198 pounds, Moyle is a forward who helped anchor the Wolverines during his college years. He joined Michigan in 2018 and played five seasons with the program, including a standout fifth year as captain in 2022-23. Moyle’s leadership and experience were instrumental as he helped Michigan secure two Big Ten championships.
During his time with the Wolverines, Moyle compiled 46 points (24 goals, 22 assists) across 164 career games. He also accumulated 156 penalty minutes and posted a plus-15 rating. His contributions extended beyond the ice, as he worked to guide younger players and serve as a veteran presence on a talented Michigan squad.
Before his collegiate career, Moyle spent two seasons in the United States Hockey League with the Green Bay Gamblers from 2016 to 2018. In 116 USHL games, he tallied 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists). His path through junior hockey helped shape him as a leader and a versatile forward, capable of contributing in multiple roles as required by his teams.
This signing signals the Griffins’ continued effort to bolster their forward group with players who bring a combination of college-level leadership and professional experience across several leagues. Moyle’s background—anchored by his time as captain at Michigan and his exposure to the AHL, ECHL, and ICEHL—gives him a broad toolkit as he seeks to carve out a meaningful role with Grand Rapids. The Griffins’ management will be looking for Moyle to apply his two-way game, physical presence, and offensive instincts to help drive the team forward in the upcoming season.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News and highlights Moyle’s transition from a storied collegiate captain to a professional role within the Red Wings’ farm system. The move underscores how organizations value players who can blend leadership qualities with on-ice production as they navigate the professional ranks. Moyle’s commitment to continued development and his willingness to contribute at both ends of the rink make him a noteworthy addition to the Griffins’ roster as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.  

Content Source: Yahoo News

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