Griffins Add Former North Dakota Senior | Detroit Hockey Now

The Grand Rapids Griffins are adding another new face to the room at the end of their regular season. Dylan James is joining the team on an amateur tryout for after signing a two year entry level contract with the Red Wings beginning with the 2026-27 season.

The now 22-year-old forward was named rookie of the year in the USHL after a standout season in his draft year, and was taken by the Red Wings 40th overall in the 2022 draft. James joins a handful of other Red Wings second round picks in Grand Rapids, including Trey Augustine (42, 2023) and Eddie Genborg (44, 2025) as they make their Calder Cup Playoff run.

After being drafted by the Red Wings, James spent the next four years developing at the University of North Dakota, helping the Fighting Hawks to become the NCHC regular season champions twice in his college career, as well as reaching this year’s Frozen Four. James and the Fighting Hawks were knocked out by the Wisconsin Badgers in the quarterfinal, however.

The senior forward was named as one of the team’s alternate captains this year, and collected 32 points across 40 games with 21 goals and 11 assists, bringing his UND career totals to 89 points with 52 goals and 37 assists.

Standing at 6’1″ and 192lbs, James is known for his puck security and willingness to make the extra step as a defender in addition to his offensive capabilities. The Griffins, now with several Red Wings prospects on the roster, will look to get further than last year’s first round exit.