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{{Short description|American Hockey League team in Grand Rapids, Michigan}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox ice hockey team
|current     = 2025–26 AHL season
|bg_color  = background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#231f20 5px solid; border-bottom:#e51636 5px solid;
|text_color    = #231f20
|team        = Grand Rapids Griffins
|logo        = Grand Rapids Griffins logo.svg
|logosize    = 190px
|city        = [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]]
|league      = [[American Hockey League]]
|conference  = Western
|division    = Central
|founded     = 1996 ([[International Hockey League (1945–2001)|IHL]])
|arena       = [[Van Andel Arena]]
|colors      = Black, red, silver, white, gold <br> {{Color box|#231f20}} {{color box|#e51636}} {{color box|#b0afaf}} {{color box|white}} {{color box|#866c3f}}
|owner       = [[Dan DeVos]]
|GM          = [[Shawn Horcoff]]
|coach       = Dan Watson
|captain     = [[Dominik Shine]]
|media       = [[Bally Sports Detroit]]<br>[[WOOD (AM)|NewsRadio WOOD 1300 AM]]/<br>[[WOOD-FM|106.9 FM]]<br>AHL.TV (Internet)
|affiliates  = [[Detroit Red Wings]] ([[NHL]])<br> [[Toledo Walleye]] ([[ECHL]])
|website     = {{URL|http://www.griffinshockey.com}}
<!---Franchise history--->
|name1       = Grand Rapids Griffins 
|dates1      = 1996–present
<!---Championships--->
|reg_season_titles = '''1 IHL''' (2000–01)<br>'''1 AHL''' ([[2005–06 AHL season|2005–06]])
|division_titles = '''2 IHL''' (1999–00, 2000–01) <br>'''5 AHL''' ([[2001–02 AHL season|2001–02]],<br>[[2002–03 AHL season|2002–03]], [[2005–06 AHL season|2005–06]], [[2012–13 AHL season|2012–13]], [[2014–15 AHL season|2014–15]])
|conf_titles = '''1 IHL''' (1999–00) <br> '''2 AHL''' (2012–13, [[2016–17 AHL season|2016–17]])
|calder_cups = '''2''' ([[2013 Calder Cup playoffs|2012–13]], [[2017 Calder Cup playoffs|2016–17]])
}}
The '''Grand Rapids Griffins''' are a professional [[ice hockey]] team based in [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]]. They compete in the [[American Hockey League]] (AHL), playing their home games at [[Van Andel Arena]]. They are the AHL affiliate to the [[Detroit Red Wings]] of the [[National Hockey League]], and are the [[2013 Calder Cup playoffs|2013]] and [[2017 Calder Cup playoffs|2017]] [[Calder Cup]] champions.

The franchise began in the now-defunct [[International Hockey League (1945–2001)|International Hockey League]] in 1996 and merged into the AHL in 2001. Three players have since had their numbers retired.

==Franchise history==
===The return of professional hockey to Grand Rapids===
The team is the third [[International Hockey League (1945–2001)|International Hockey League]] (IHL) franchise in Grand Rapids, following the [[Grand Rapids Rockets]] of the 1950s and the [[Grand Rapids Owls]] of the late 1970s, and owes its existence to the construction of a 10,000-plus capacity arena in the downtown area.  Following the project's authorization, [[Amway]] executives Dave Van Andel and [[Dan DeVos]] formed West Michigan Hockey, Inc., in January 1995 with the intent of securing a minor league hockey franchise.  The group promptly began discussions with the IHL, [[American Hockey League]] (AHL) and [[East Coast Hockey League]] (ECHL) to gauge interest in the Grand Rapids market.<ref name="GRP19950123">{{cite news |title = Group's goal is to net hockey franchise |author = Becker, Bob |work = [[The Grand Rapids Press]]  |date = January 23, 1995 |page = A1 }}</ref>  Also that month, Bruce Saurs, owner of the IHL's [[Peoria Rivermen (IHL)|Peoria Rivermen]], visited Grand Rapids to discuss with the group potential relocation of his team.<ref name="PJS19950124">{{cite news |title = Soon to be Michigan Rivermen? |author = Eminian, Dave |work = [[Peoria Journal Star]]  |date = January 24, 1995 |page = D1 }}</ref>  In April, however, the IHL's board of directors voted to waive one of its expansion criteria – that the city's metropolitan area comprise at least one million people – and grant West Michigan Hockey a franchise for US$7 million.  The league ultimately was swayed by the community's response, which included over 8,000 season ticket requests, and the new, fully financed arena.<ref name="GRP19950425">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = April 25, 1995 |title = It's on ice – Grand Rapids gets IHL expansion franchise |page = A1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>

[[Image:Vanandel.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The construction of [[Van Andel Arena]] paved the way for professional hockey's return to Grand Rapids.]]

At the announcement of a "name the team" contest in June 1995, DeVos hinted that the group was looking for something "with a face ... with a personality, that we can translate into a mascot of some sort".<ref name="GRP19950604">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = November 20, 1995 |title = Can you name that hockey team in three weeks? |page = A1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  "Grand Rapids Griffins" was chosen as the winning entry, and the logo (showing not a griffin, but an animal more similar to an [[opinicus]]) and colors of the hockey club were unveiled in November.  The logo was designed by Sean Michael Edwards Design, Inc., a New York firm whose portfolio includes logos for the [[Florida Panthers]] and [[Seattle Mariners]].  In keeping with the traditional theme desired by the club, navy blue and gold were chosen as the primary colors, along with hunter green, red and silver accents.  "We didn't want to be trendy in any way", DeVos said.<ref name="GRP19951120">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = April 25, 1995 |title = 'Something different' for IHL team with Griffins unveiled as nickname |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>

[[Image:Grand Rapids Grifﬁns.svg|thumb|right|Original Griffins logo, used from 1996 until 2015]]

In January 1996, [[Bob McNamara (sports executive)|Bob McNamara]], former IHL goaltender and assistant general manager of the [[Cleveland Lumberjacks]], was appointed general manager of the Griffins.<ref name="GRP19960126">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = January 26, 1996 |title = Griffins' new GM ready to build a winning team |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  His first move was to hire [[Dave Allison]], who had briefly coached the [[Ottawa Senators]] that season, as head coach.<ref name="GRP19960627">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = June 27, 1996 |title = Griffins check in with head coach from NHL stockpile |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  Among the first players to join the team were defensemen [[Todd Nelson (ice hockey)|Todd Nelson]] and [[Travis Richards]] and goaltender [[Pokey Reddick]], all of whom brought [[National Hockey League]] (NHL) experience.<ref name="GRP19960726">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = July 26, 1996 |title = Griffins sign former K-Wing Richards |page = C4 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19960731">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = July 31, 1996 |title = Griffins acquire experience by trading for goaltender |page = B1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  On the business side, the Griffins secured a deal with [[WOOD (AM)|WOOD-AM]] to broadcast all regular season and playoff games in their inaugural season.<ref name="GRP19960425">{{cite news |last = Beardsley |first = Howie |date = April 25, 1996 |title = Griffins pick WOOD to air opening-season games on radio |page = E2 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  Rich Kincaide then left his sportscaster position at [[WJR]] in Detroit to become the Griffins' play-by-play announcer and director of communications.<ref name="GRP19960606">{{cite news |last = Beardsley |first = Howie |date = June 6, 1996 |title = Griffins hire sportscaster Kincaide to do radio play-by-play |page = C7 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  The team also signed agreements with [[WZZM]] and [[WWMT]] to televise a handful of games each.<ref name="GRP19960617">{{cite news |last = Beardsley |first = Howie |date = June 17, 1996 |title = Unique TV pact has Griffins, foes excited for season |page = C6 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  Following lengthy negotiations with the City of Grand Rapids,<ref name="GRP19960306">{{cite news |last = Root |first = Kelley |date = March 6, 1996 |title = Ice time: Griffins owner offers city a deal to operate the Belknap rink |page = A1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19960327">{{cite news |last = Root |first = Kelley |date = March 27, 1996 |title = Griffins owners skate closer to Belknap pact |page = A5 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19960424">{{cite news |last = Root |first = Kelley |date = April 24, 1996 |title = Griffins' management get first city OK to run Belknap |page = A10 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRBJ19960603">{{cite magazine |last = Czurak |first = David |date = June 3, 1996 |title = Belknap add-on plans approved | magazine = [[Grand Rapids Business Journal]] |volume = 14 |issue = 23 |page = 3 |issn = 1045-4055 |oclc = 12223622 }}</ref> a DeVos-owned company took over operations of Belknap Ice Arena, which was then renovated for use as the Griffins' practice facility.<ref name="GRBJ19960715">{{cite magazine |last = Czurak |first = David |date = July 15, 1996 |title = Belknap arrangement approved for DP Fox |magazine = Grand Rapids Business Journal |volume = 14 |issue = 29 |page = 2 }}</ref>

===Independent years (1996–99)===
[[Image:PavolDemitra.jpg|thumb|left|Grand Rapids was [[Pavol Demitra]]'s last minor league stop before establishing himself in the NHL.]]

McNamara filled the Griffins' 1996–97 inaugural season roster with IHL and AHL veterans (notably [[Michel Picard (ice hockey)|Michel Picard]], [[Jeff Nelson (ice hockey)|Jeff Nelson]] and [[Don McSween]]) and a handful of prospects.  He also signed affiliation agreements with the [[Muskegon Fury]] of the [[Colonial Hockey League]] (CHL) and the [[Mississippi Sea Wolves]] of the ECHL.<ref name="GRP19960801">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = August 1, 1996 |title = Griffins, Fury to work together |page = C6 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19960807">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = August 7, 1996 |title = Griffins forge partnership with ECHL team in Biloxi |page = B8 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  The Griffins won their inaugural game on the road against the [[Indianapolis Ice]],<ref name="GRP19961006">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = October 6, 1996 |title = First game is a winner for Griffins |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>   but lost the home opener to the [[Orlando Solar Bears (IHL)|Orlando Solar Bears]] six days later.<ref name="GRP19961012">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = October 12, 1996 |title = 'It was frustrating': Excited Griffins fall to Orlando in home opener, 3–1 |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  An early-season record of 9–10–2 improved after the addition of [[Pavol Demitra]], who was acquired in a trade with the [[Las Vegas Thunder]] in late November, and NHL veteran [[Danton Cole]], who signed with the team after a stint in the [[German Ice Hockey League]] (DEL).<ref name="GRP19961126">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = November 26, 1996 |title = Griffins deal for big scorer |page = C5 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19961126-2">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = November 26, 1996 |title = Let's get physical |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19970115">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = January 15, 1997 |title = Slumping Armstrong on his way out |page = D5 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  The Griffins were paced by the top forward line of Picard, Jeff Nelson and Demitra;<ref name="GRP19961217">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = December 17, 1996 |title = Pic's Pack: Top line paced by Picard quenches Griffins' thirst for goals |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref> all three averaged over one point per game during the regular season.<ref name="hockeydb01">{{cite web |title = 1996-97 Grand-Rapids Griffins (IHL) player statistics |url = http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0008581997.html |access-date = May 3, 2009 |work = HockeyDB }}</ref>  Demitra left the Griffins in March 1997 after signing a contract with the [[St. Louis Blues]],<ref name="GRP19970315">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = March 15, 1997 |title = Griffins juggle lineup after loss of Demitra to NHL |page = C5 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref> and scored over 300 goals in sixteen NHL seasons.<ref name="hockeydb03">{{cite web |title = Pavol Demitra's hockey statistics profile |url = http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=1325 |access-date = May 3, 2009 |work = HockeyDB |publisher = }}</ref>  He was replaced on the first line by rookie [[Kevyn Adams]],<ref name="GRP19970316">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = March 16, 1997 |title = Griffins glide past Kansas City |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref> who went on to play in ten NHL seasons.<ref name="hockeydb04">{{cite web |title = Kevyn Adams's hockey statistics profile |url = http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=6216 |access-date = May 3, 2009 |work = HockeyDB |publisher = }}</ref>  Grand Rapids finished in last place in a strong Northeast Division with a record of 40–30–12;<ref name="hockeydb05">{{cite web |title = 1996-97 International Hockey League (IHL) standings |url = https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/ihl19851997.html |access-date = May 3, 2009 |work = HockeyDB |publisher = }}</ref> the team's opening round playoff series with Orlando ended in a 3–2 loss.<ref name="GRP19970429">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = April 29, 1997 |title = Griffins' season ends |page = B1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  Picard was voted a first-team all star by the league's coaches after finishing fourth in league scoring with 46 goals and 55 assists in 82 games.<ref name="GRP19970502">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = May 2, 1997 |title = Griffins' Picard honored |page = C5 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="hockeydb02">{{cite web |title = 1996-97 IHL League Leaders |url = https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/top_league.php?lid=ihl1985&sid=1997&leaguenm=IHL |access-date = May 3, 2009 |work = HockeyDB |publisher = }}</ref>  The franchise's first season was considered a success by the IHL,<ref name="GRP19970103">{{cite news |last = Brower |first = Gary |date = January 3, 1997 |title = IHL commissioner praises 'most successful situation' with Griffins |page = C6 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref> which held its 1997 All-Star Game in front of a capacity crowd at the 10,834-seat [[Van Andel Arena]].  Thirty-nine of forty-one home games were also sellouts, and the Griffins set an IHL record with season ticket sales capped at 7,000.<ref name="GRP19970626">{{cite news |date = June 26, 1997 |title = Griffins' DeVos IHL's top exec |page = C6 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>

Before the 1997–98 season, the Griffins selected [[Glen Metropolit]] and two other players in the IHL expansion draft – postponed a year due to extended labor negotiations between the league and its players – signed NHL journeymen forwards [[Mark Greig]] and [[Ed Patterson]],<ref name="GRP19970718">{{cite news |date = July 18, 1997 |title = Griffins sign expansion pick |page = C6 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="LVRJ19970703">{{cite news |last = Iole |first = Kevin |date = July 3, 1997 |title = Thunder waits for draft |page = 9C |work = [[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] }}</ref> and re-signed Michel Picard.  Most of the previous season's defensive core also returned,<ref name="GRP19970914">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = September 14, 1997 |title = Griffins hit the ice looking for defense |page = E1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref> though Don McSween was traded following [[Kerry Huffman]]'s signing early in the season.<ref name="GRP19971016">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = October 16, 1997 |title = Griffins sign NHL veteran Huffman |page = D8 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19971018">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = October 18, 1997 |title = Griffins trade McSween, McCann |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  Goaltender Pokey Reddick requested and was granted a trade after splitting playing time with [[Ian Gordon (ice hockey)|Ian Gordon]] early in the season; [[Patrick Lalime]] signed with the team shortly thereafter.<ref name="GRP19971127">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = November 27, 1997 |title = Trade is made: Pokey's a Dragon |page = D1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  By December, the Griffins were contending for first place in the Northeast Division, largely on the strength of their goaltending and the top forward line of Picard, Metropolit and Greig.<ref name="GRP19971211">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = December 11, 1997 |title = Griffins stack up well in I's best division |page = F3 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  Picard was recalled by the St. Louis Blues in January for fifteen games;<ref name="GRP19980201">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = February 1, 1998 |title = Griffins lose, but expect Picard to return for tonight's game |page = B9 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref> [[Chris Lindberg]] signed with the team shortly after Picard's recall, but was later suspended by the IHL after bolting to play for Swiss team [[EV Zug]].<ref name="GRP19980226">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = February 26, 1998 |title = Lindberg's playing in Europe but Griffins still want him back |page = B3 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  The Griffins' record fell to 30–25–7 by March, and disagreements over what changes needed to be made prompted McNamara to fire head coach Dave Allison.<ref name="GRP19980304">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = March 4, 1998 |title = Allison: I did the best job I could |page = D1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  McNamara assumed the coaching duties for the final twenty games of the regular season, as well as the playoffs, in which the Griffins were swept in the first round by the [[Cincinnati Cyclones]].<ref name="GRP19980423">{{cite news |last = Mayo |first = David |date = April 23, 1998 |title = Playoffs end painfully for Griffins' GM |page = D7 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  Picard, with 28 goals and 41 assists in 58 games, again led the team in scoring,<ref name="hockeydb06">{{cite web |title = 1997-98 Grand-Rapids Griffins (IHL) player statistics |url = http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0008581998.html |access-date = May 7, 2009 |work = HockeyDB |publisher = }}</ref> though another recall to the Blues left him unavailable for the playoffs.<ref name="GRP19980417">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = April 17, 1998 |title = Griffins ready for Cinci, even with no Picard |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>

[[Image:Glen Metropolit.jpg|thumb|right|[[Glen Metropolit]] led the Griffins in scoring for the 1998–1999 IHL season.  He played in over 400 NHL games with seven teams.]]

In July 1998, [[Guy Charron]] was introduced as the Griffins' new head coach; his previous seventeen years of coaching experience included five years as an assistant coach with the [[Calgary Flames]] of the NHL.<ref name="GRP19980708">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = July 8, 1998 |title = It's official: Charron named new Griffins coach |page = D1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  His new team endured a flurry of roster moves following the departure of Mark Greig, Patrick Lalime and [[Shane Hnidy]], all of whom signed NHL contracts.<ref name="GRP19980807">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = August 7, 1998 |title = Griffins' defenseman signs with Red Wings |page = C5 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  [[Kip Miller]] signed with the Griffins in August but left the team before playing in a regular season game, instead earning an NHL roster spot after his rights were traded to the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]].<ref name="PPG19981008">{{cite news |last = Molinari |first = Dave |date = October 8, 1998 |title = 3 Penguins heal, but season-opening roster still not a done deal |page = D-3 |work = [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] }}</ref>  Key additions who stuck with the team included forward [[Robert Petrovicky]] and [[Darren Rumble]].  Early-season signees Joe Frederick and [[Andrei Vasilyev (ice hockey)|Andrei Vasilyev]] provided an offensive boost,<ref name="GRP19981105">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = November 5, 1998 |title = Griffins sign winger to spur offense |page = C3 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19981127">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = November 27, 1998 |title = Struggling Griffins hope trade will stir offense |page = B3 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref> but injuries on the defensive side preceded a franchise-record seven-game losing streak in November, leaving the Griffins with the worst record in the IHL at that point.<ref name="GRP19981104">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = November 4, 1998 |title = Griffins' Tucker joins injured ranks |page = B3 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19981125">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = November 25, 1998 |title = Griffins battle, but lose seventh straight game |page = C3 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  Among the few bright spots for the team was the play of linemates Metropolit, who scored the franchise's first ever natural [[Hat trick#Hockey|hat trick]] that season,<ref name="GRP19981028">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = October 28, 1998 |title = Trigger man: Metropolit's hat trick lifts Griffins over Grizzlies |page = D1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref> and Petrovicky, who was named the IHL's Player of the Month for November after scoring five goals and 12 assists in 12 games.<ref name="GRP19981203">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = December 3, 1998 |title = Griffins' red-hot center Petrovicky named IHL Player of the Month |page = C3 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  Petrovicky signed an NHL contract with the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] in February, and the Griffins made numerous roster moves in the following weeks in an effort to qualify for the playoffs.<ref name="GRP19990220">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = February 20, 1999 |title = Griffins' roster full of changes |page = C6 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19990310">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = March 10, 1999 |title = Griffins trade Rumble for Kaminsky to spark offense |page = D3 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19990319">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = March 19, 1999 |title = Griffins add winger, defenseman to beef up depleted lineup |page = B1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref><ref name="GRP19990326">{{cite news |author = VanOchten |first = Brian |date = March 26, 1999 |title = Griffins hoping trade will stop fade |page = B1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  The team finished with the second worst record in the 1998–99 IHL season, and failed to earn a playoff spot.  (The IHL, down to 16 teams that year, had adopted a 12-team playoff format.)<ref name="hockeydb07">{{cite web |title = 1998-99 International Hockey League (IHL) standings |url = https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/ihl19851999.html |access-date = June 14, 2009 |work = HockeyDB |publisher = }}</ref>  Metropolit's 81 points led the team and placed him ninth in league scoring;<ref name="hockeydb08">{{cite web |title = 1998-99 Grand-Rapids Griffins (IHL) player statistics |url = http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0008581999.html |access-date = June 14, 2009 |work = HockeyDB |publisher = }}</ref><ref name="hockeydb09">{{cite web |title = 1998-99 IHL League Leaders |url = https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/top_league.php?lid=ihl1985&sid=1999&leaguenm=IHL |access-date = June 14, 2009 |work = HockeyDB |publisher = }}</ref> he went on to play in eight NHL seasons.<!--Updated through 2009–10 season--><ref name="hockeydb10">{{cite web |title = Glen Metropolit's hockey statistics profile |url = http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=21572 |access-date = June 14, 2009 |work = HockeyDB |publisher = }}</ref>

===Ottawa Senators affiliation and joining the AHL (1999–2002)===
Late in the 1998–99 season, general manager Bob McNamara on numerous occasions discussed an affiliation agreement with [[Rick Dudley]], the first-year general manager of the Ottawa Senators.  Dudley considered other franchises,<ref name="GRP19990419">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = April 19, 1999 |title = NHL's Ottawa Senators may affiliate with Griffins |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref> and left the Senators before a deal was in place, but his replacement, [[Marshall Johnston]], ultimately chose Grand Rapids.  The two-year agreement called for the assignment of twelve Senators prospects to the Griffins each year.  "[T]he most significant reason we've pursued this is because we want to win a championship", said McNamara.<ref name="GRP19990610">{{cite news |last = Flemming |first = Gretchen |date = June 10, 1999 |title = Griffins join forces with the Ottawa Senators |page = C1 |work = The Grand Rapids Press }}</ref>  Griffins co-owner Dan DeVos echoed that sentiment: "This decision was not based on a financial analysis.  Our intent was to improve our record."<ref name="GRP19990610"/>

In June 2001, the IHL ceased operations. The Griffins were among six IHL teams admitted to the American Hockey League (AHL) at that time. Because the AHL did not allow owners to control multiple teams (unlike the IHL), the DeVos family's other IHL teams (the [[Orlando Solar Bears]] and [[Kansas City Blades]]) were forced to fold.

===Detroit Red Wings affiliation (2002–present)===
On January 24, 2002, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings held a joint press conference at The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids to announce a five-year affiliation agreement (2002–03 to 2006–07). Red Wings general manager [[Ken Holland]] and assistant GM [[Jim Nill]] were present for the announcement, which was made before an overflow crowd of media and sponsors. Terms of the affiliation called for the Red Wings to supply a minimum of thirteen players to the Griffins each season. The majority of the Griffins' roster is Detroit prospects and draft picks.

Located in-state only two hours from Detroit, the Griffins gave the Red Wings what they had sought after for years—a local AHL affiliate. The previous affiliate, the [[Adirondack Red Wings]], despite its relatively successful run in the AHL (four Calder Cups) was considered too far away for the preferences of Red Wings management, and back-and-forth player assignments. For this reason, the NHL Red Wings suspended the AHL Red Wings franchise with the intent of moving it to [[Toledo, Ohio]], just a short distance from Detroit. These plans never materialized, so that AHL franchise stayed dormant for three years until being sold and reactivated as the [[San Antonio Rampage]]. Since 1991–92 (with the exception of the 2000 and 2007–08 and 2008–09), Detroit has had an ECHL affiliate, who have been very successful, in Toledo, named the Storm and later the Walleye that have been able to feed players into Grand Rapids, with some of them making it up to the NHL and even Detroit.
[[File:Cup-celebration-125 34466541194 o (40542425642).jpg|thumb|Griffins celebrate winning the 2017 Calder Cup]]
On April 5, 2002, with a 3–2 victory at Chicago, the Griffins won the AHL's inaugural [[Norman R. "Bud" Poile Trophy|Bud Poile Trophy]] as the [[2001–02 AHL season|2001–02]] West Division champions. On March 9, 2003, thanks to losses by Rochester and Cincinnati, the Griffins won the [[John D. Chick Trophy|John Chick Trophy]] as the [[2002–03 AHL season|2002–03]] Central Division champions. The title marked their second straight as AHL members. On April 14, 2007, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings announced an agreement in principle to extend their affiliation through the 2011–12 season. On June 4, 2008, nine former Griffins won the Stanley Cup as part of the [[2007–08 Detroit Red Wings season|2007–08]] Detroit Red Wings.

After the 2010–11 season, general manager Bob McNamara, the only hockey operations chief in franchise history, retired. Initially, the Griffins opted to forgo having a general manager, instead relying on the Red Wings for hockey operations support.<ref>{{cite web |date = June 22, 2011 |title = McNamara Departs After 15 Seasons as GM |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120323075018/http://griffinshockey.com/news/releases/index.html?article_id=1888 |url = http://griffinshockey.com/news/releases/index.html?article_id=1888 |archive-date = March 23, 2012 |access-date = June 26, 2011 |publisher = Grand Rapids Griffins }}</ref> However, in early 2012, Red Wings assistant general manager Ryan Martin was named general manager of the Griffins as well.

[[File:Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Milwaukee Admirals March 2024 11 (face-off).jpg|thumb|left|The Griffins in action against the [[Milwaukee Admirals]]]]

On March 7, 2012, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings announced a five-year affiliation agreement extension through the [[2016–17 AHL season|2016–17 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |date = March 7, 2012 |title = Griffins and Red Wings Extend Affiliation Through 2016-17 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527215029/http://www.griffinshockey.com/news/releases/?article_id=2110 |url = http://www.griffinshockey.com/news/releases/?article_id=2110 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |access-date = May 27, 2014 |publisher = Grand Rapids Griffins }}</ref> On June 13, 2013, the Griffins won the [[2013 Calder Cup playoffs|Calder Cup]] for the first time in franchise history, defeating the [[Syracuse Crunch]] in six games. On June 16, 2015, [[Todd Nelson (ice hockey)|Todd Nelson]] was named head coach of the Griffins.<ref>{{Cite news |date = June 19, 2015 |title = Todd Nelson named head coach of Griffins |publisher = [[Detroit Red Wings]] |url = http://redwings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=771493 |access-date = June 19, 2015 }}</ref> On June 13, 2017, the Griffins won the [[2017 Calder Cup playoffs|2017 Calder Cup]], defeating the Syracuse Crunch in six games in a repeat of the 2013 finals. This time they won it on home ice in front of a sell out crowd at Van Andel Arena—the first time that a Grand Rapids-based team had won a title on home ice. [[Tyler Bertuzzi]] was named MVP and received the [[Jack A. Butterfield Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web |last = Wakiji |first = Dana |date = June 13, 2017 |title = Grand Rapids Griffins win Calder Cup at home |url = https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/trending-grand-rapids-griffins-win-calder-cup-at-home/c-289921698 |access-date = June 13, 2017 |publisher = Detroit Red Wings }}</ref> On July 6, 2017, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings announced a five-year affiliation agreement extension through the [[2021–22 AHL season|2021–22 season]].<ref>{{cite web |last = Kujawa |first = Kyle |date = July 6, 2017 |title = Red Wings and Griffins extend affiliation for five years |url = https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-and-griffins-extend-affiliation-for-five-years/c-290308472 |access-date = July 6, 2017 |publisher = Detroit Red Wings }}</ref> After three seasons and one Calder Cup, head coach Todd Nelson was hired as an assistant with the [[Dallas Stars]] in the NHL<ref>{{cite web |last = Wallner |first = Peter J. |date = May 31, 2018 |title = Todd Nelson talks about leaving Griffins for NHL: 'I have to go' |url = http://www.mlive.com/griffins/index.ssf/2018/05/todd_nelson_talks_about_leavin.html |access-date = May 31, 2018 |website = [[MLive]] }}</ref> and was replaced by assistant [[Ben Simon]] for the [[2018–19 AHL season|2018–19 season]].<ref>{{cite web |last = Wallner |first = Peter J. |date = June 5, 2018 |title = Ben Simon named new coach of Grand Rapids Griffins |url = http://www.mlive.com/griffins/index.ssf/2018/06/griffins_name_new_coach.html |access-date = June 5, 2018 |website = MLive }}</ref> On July 25, 2022, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings announced another five-year extension of their affiliation agreement through the 2026–27 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last = James |first = Helene St |title = Detroit Red Wings extend relationship with Grand Rapids Griffins for 5 years |url = https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2022/07/25/detroit-red-wings-affiliation-grand-rapids-griffins/10144194002/ |access-date = October 1, 2022 |newspaper = [[Detroit Free Press]] }}</ref> On June 14, 2023, Dan Watson was named head coach of the Griffins.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://griffinshockey.com/news/dan-watson-named-head-coach |title = Dan Watson Named Head Coach |publisher = Grand Rapids Griffins |date = June 14, 2023 |access-date = June 14, 2023 }}</ref>

==Season-by-season results==
''This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by the Griffins. For the full season-by-season history, see [[List of Grand Rapids Griffins seasons]]''

{|class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center; font-size:100%"
|-
!colspan=11|Regular season
!colspan=6|Playoffs
|-
!Season
!Games
!Won
!Lost
!OTL
!SOL
!Points
!PCT
!Goals<br>for
!Goals<br>against
!Standing
!Year
!Prelims
!1st<br>round
!2nd<br>round
!3rd<br>round
!Finals
|-
|[[2020–21 AHL season|2020–21]] ||32 ||16 ||12 ||3 ||1 ||36 ||.563 ||96 ||97 ||3rd, Central ||2021 ||colspan="5"|No playoffs were held
|- style="background:#eee;"
|[[2021–22 AHL season|2021–22]] ||76 ||33 ||35 ||6 ||2 ||74 ||.487 ||209 ||240 ||7th, Central||[[2022 Calder Cup playoffs|2022]] ||colspan="5"|''Did not qualify''
|-
|[[2022–23 AHL season|2022–23]] ||72 ||28 ||36 ||4 ||4 ||64 ||.444 ||194 ||255 ||7th, Central ||[[2023 Calder Cup playoffs|2023]] ||colspan="5"|''Did not qualify''
|- style="background:#eee;"
|[[2023–24 AHL season|2023–24]] ||72 ||37 ||23 ||8 ||4 ||86 ||.597 ||208 ||202 ||2nd, Central ||[[2024 Calder Cup playoffs|2024]] ||BYE ||W, 3–1, [[Rockford IceHogs|RCK]] ||L, 2–3, [[Milwaukee Admirals|MIL]] ||—||—
|- 
|[[2024–25 AHL season|2024–25]] ||72 ||37 ||29 ||4 ||2 ||80 ||.556 ||202 ||203 ||3rd, Central ||[[2025 Calder Cup playoffs|2025]] ||BYE ||L, 0–3, [[Texas Stars|TEX]] ||— ||—||—
|}

==Players==
{{main|List of Grand Rapids Griffins players}}

===Current roster===
<small>Updated October 31, 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title = Grand Rapids Griffins 2025–26 Regular Season |url = https://theahl.com/stats/roster/328/73?league=4 |access-date = October 31, 2025 |publisher = [[American Hockey League]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Eliteprospects.com - Grand Rapids Griffins |url = http://www.eliteprospects.com/team.php?team=97 |access-date = October 31, 2025 |website = Elite Prospects }}</ref></small>
{{Ice hockey team roster |contract=yes}}

<!-- list of players -->
<!--
{{Ice hockey team player
| first = Nicklas | last = Andrews | dab = | num = 5 | pos = D | nat = United States | s/g = L | birthyear = 2001 | birthmonth = 7 | birthday = 6 | acq = [[2025–26 AHL season|2025]] | birthplace = [[Canton, Michigan]] | contract = Griffins | inj = no | cap = | fa = }}-->

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Tyler |last = Angle |dab = |num = 77 |pos = C |nat = Canada |s/g = L |birthyear = 2000 |birthmonth = 9 |birthday = 30 |acq = [[2025–26 AHL season|2025]] |birthplace = [[Niagara Falls, Ontario]] |contract = Griffins |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Carson |last = Bantle |dab = |num = 21 |pos = LW |nat = United States |s/g = L |birthyear = 2002 |birthmonth = 1 |birthday = 22 |acq = [[2024–25 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Onalaska, Wisconsin]] |contract = Griffins |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Ondrej |last = Becher |dab = Ondřej Becher |num = 25 |pos = C |nat = Czechia |s/g = L |birthyear = 2004 |birthmonth = 2 |birthday = 22 |acq = [[2024–25 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Ostrava]], [[Czech Republic]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa =  }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Michael |last = Brandsegg-Nygard |dab = Michael Brandsegg-Nygård | num = 28 |pos = W |nat = NOR |s/g = R |birthyear = 2005 |birthmonth = 10 |birthday = 5 |acq = [[2024–25 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Oslo, Norway]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}
<!--
{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Shai |last = Buium |dab = |num = 8 |pos = D |nat = United States |s/g = L |birthyear = 2003 |birthmonth = 3 |birthday = 26 |acq = [[2023–24 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[San Diego, California]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}-->

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Sebastian |last = Cossa |dab = |num = 33 |pos = G |nat = Canada |s/g = L |birthyear = 2002 |birthmonth = 11 |birthday = 21 |acq = [[2022–23 AHL season|2022]] |birthplace = [[Hamilton, Ontario]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Nate |last = Danielson |dab = |num = 29 |pos = C |nat = Canada |s/g = R |birthyear = 2004 |birthmonth = 9 |birthday = 27 |acq = [[2023–24 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Red Deer, Alberta]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap =  |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Alexandre |last = Doucet |dab = |num = 47 |pos = C |nat = Canada |s/g = L |birthyear = 2002 |birthmonth = 1 |birthday = 12 |acq = [[2023–24 AHL season|2023]] |birthplace = [[Saint-Denis-de-Brompton, Quebec]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Sheldon |last = Dries |dab = |num = 15 |pos = C |nat = United States |s/g = L |birthyear = 1994 |birthmonth = 4 |birthday = 23 |acq = [[2024–25 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Macomb Township, Michigan]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = A |fa = }}
<!--
{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Emmitt |last = Finnie |dab =  |num = 9 | pos = C |nat = Canada |s/g = L |birthyear = 2005 |birthmonth = 6 |birthday = 27 |acq = [[2024–25 AHL season|2025]] |birthplace = [[Lethbridge, Alberta]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}-->

{{Ice hockey team player
| first = Erik | last = Gustafsson | dab = Erik Gustafsson (ice hockey, born 1992) | num = 56 | pos = D | nat = Sweden | s/g = L | birthyear = 1992 | birthmonth = 3 | birthday = 14 | acq = [[2025–26 AHL season|2025]] | birthplace = [[Nynäshamn|Nynäshamn, Sweden]] | contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] | inj = no | cap = | fa = }}
<!--
{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Carter |last = Gylander |dab = |num = 31 |pos = G |nat = Canada |s/g = L |birthyear = 2001 |birthmonth = 6 |birthday = 5 |acq = [[2023–24 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Beaumont, Alberta]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa =  }}-->

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Justin |last = Holl |dab = |num = 3 |pos = D |nat = United States |s/g = R |birthyear = 1992 |birthmonth = 1 |birthday = 30 |acq = [[2025–26 AHL season|2025]] |birthplace = [[Tonka Bay, Minnesota]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa =  }}
<!--
{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Hunter |last = Johannes |dab = |num = 28 |pos = LW |nat = United States |s/g = L |birthyear = 1998 |birthmonth = 7 |birthday = 24 |acq = [[2023–24 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Eden Prairie, Minnesota]] |contract = Griffins |inj = no |cap = |fa = UFA  }}-->
<!--
{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Anton |last = Johansson |dab = Anton Johansson (ice hockey) |num = 20 |pos = D |nat = Sweden |s/g = R |birthyear = 2004 |birthmonth = 6 |birthday = 10 |acq = [[2024–25 AHL season|2025]] |birthplace = [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa =  }}-->

{{Ice hockey team player
| first = Alex | last = Kannok-Leipert | dab = | num = 41 | pos = D | nat = Canada | s/g = R | birthyear = 2000 | birthmonth = 7 | birthday = 20 | acq = [[2025–26 AHL season|2025]] | birthplace = [[Nakhon Ratchasima|Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand]] | contract = Griffins | inj = no | cap = | fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = William |last = Lagesson |dab = |num = 37 |pos = D |nat = Sweden |s/g = L |birthyear = 1996 |birthmonth = 2 |birthday = 22 |acq = [[2024–25 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Gothenburg|Gothenburg, Sweden]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] | inj = no |cap = A |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = John |last = Leonard |dab = John Leonard (ice hockey) |num = 19 |pos = LW |nat = United States |s/g = L |birthyear = 1998 |birthmonth = 8 |birthday = 7 |acq = [[2025–26 AHL season|2025]] |birthplace = [[Westwood, New Jersey]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Amadeus |last = Lombardi |dab = |num = 93 |pos = C |nat = Canada |s/g = L |birthyear = 2003 |birthmonth = 6 |birthday = 5 |acq = [[2022–23 AHL season|2023]] |birthplace = [[Newmarket, Ontario]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Carter |last = Mazur |dab = |num = 43 |pos = LW |nat = United States |s/g = R |birthyear = 2002 |birthmonth = 3 |birthday = 28 |acq = [[2022–23 AHL season|2023]] |birthplace = [[Jackson, Michigan]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Ian |last = Mitchell |dab = Ian Mitchell (ice hockey) |num = 55 |pos = D |nat = Canada |s/g = R |birthyear = 1999 |birthmonth = 1 |birthday = 18 |acq = [[2025–26 AHL season|2025]] |birthplace = [[St. Albert, Alberta]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Michal |last = Postava |dab = |num = 35 |pos = G |nat = Czech Republic |s/g = L |birthyear = 2002 |birthmonth = 2 |birthday = 28 |acq = [[2025–26 AHL season|2025]] |birthplace = [[Valašské Meziříčí|Valašské Meziříčí, Czech Republic]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player 
|first = Jakub |last = Rychlovsky |dab = Jakub Rychlovský |num = 81 |pos = LW |nat = Czechia |s/g = L |birthyear = 2001 |birthmonth = 8 |birthday = 7 |acq = [[2024-25 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Vrchlabí]], [[Czech Republic]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}
<!--
{{Ice hockey team player 
|first = Axel |last = Sandin Pellikka |dab = |num = 39 |pos = D |nat = SWE |s/g = R |birthyear = 2005 |birthmonth = 3 |birthday = 11 |acq = [[2024-25 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Gällivare|Gällivare, Sweden]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}-->

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Gabriel |last = Seger |dab = |num = 11 |pos = C |nat = Sweden |s/g = L |birthyear = 1999 |birthmonth = 11 |birthday = 15 |acq = [[2024–25 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Uppsala]], [[Sweden]] |contract = Griffins |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Dominik |last = Shine |dab = |num = 65 |pos = RW |nat = United States |s/g = R |birthyear = 1993 |birthmonth = 4 |birthday = 18 |acq = [[2016–17 AHL season|2017]] |birthplace = [[Pinckney, Michigan]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = C |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Eduards |last = Tralmaks |dab =  |num = 34 |pos = W |nat = Latvia |s/g = L |birthyear = 1997 |birthmonth = 2 |birthday = 17 |acq = [[2025–26 AHL season|2025]] |birthplace = [[Riga, Latvia]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Jacob |last = Truscott |dab =  |num = 20 | pos = D |nat = United States |s/g = L |birthyear = 2002 |birthmonth = 4 |birthday = 12 |acq = [[2025–26 AHL season|2025]] |birthplace = [[Fort Gratiot, Michigan]] |contract = Griffins |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = Antti |last = Tuomisto |dab = |num = 4 |pos = D |nat = Finland |s/g = R |birthyear = 2001 |birthmonth = 1 |birthday = 20 |acq = [[2023–24 AHL season|2023]] |birthplace = [[Pori, Finland]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}

{{Ice hockey team player
|first = William |last = Wallinder |dab = |num = 22 |pos = D |nat = Sweden |s/g = L |birthyear = 2002 |birthmonth = 7 |birthday = 28 |acq = [[2022–23 AHL season|2023]] |birthplace = [[Sollefteå]], [[Sweden]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap =  |fa =  }}
<!--
{{Ice hockey team player 
|first = Austin |last = Watson |dab = |num = 51 |pos = LW |nat = United States |s/g = R |birthyear = 1992 |birthmonth = 1 |birthday = 13 |acq = [[2024-25 AHL season|2024]] |birthplace = [[Ann Arbor, Michigan]] |contract = [[Detroit Red Wings|Red Wings]] |inj = no |cap = |fa = }}-->

|}<!-- end list of players -->

===Team captains===
{{Div col}}
*[[Don McSween]], 1996–97
*[[Kerry Huffman]], 1997–98
*[[Danton Cole]], 1998–99
*Ed Patterson, 1999–2001
*[[Travis Richards]], 2001–04
*[[Blake Sloan]], 2004–05
*[[Matt Ellis (ice hockey)|Matt Ellis]], 2005–07
*[[Garrett Stafford]], [[Mark Cullen (ice hockey)|Mark Cullen]], [[Ryan Oulahen]], 2007–08
*[[Darren Haydar]], 2008–09
*[[Jamie Tardif]], 2009–11
*[[Garnet Exelby]], 2011–12
*[[Jeff Hoggan]], 2012–16
*[[Nathan Paetsch]], 2016–17
*[[Matthew Ford (ice hockey)|Matthew Ford]], 2017–20
*[[Brian Lashoff]], 2020–23
*[[Josiah Didier]], 2023–25
*[[Dominik Shine]], 2025 - present
{{Div col end}}

===Retired numbers===
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ style="background:#FFFFFF;border-top:#000000 3px solid;border-bottom:#E51937 3px solid; color:#000000;" |Grand Rapids Griffins retired numbers
|-
! width=40px |No.
! width=130px |Player
! width=40px |Position
! width=150px |Career
! width=150px |No. retirement
|-
|'''7''' ||[[Michel Picard (ice hockey)|Michel Picard]] ||[[Winger (ice hockey)|LW]] ||1996–2000,<br>2002–2004 ||February 19, 2022<ref name="PicardHoggan">{{cite web |date = September 16, 2021 |title = Griffins to Retire Jersey Numbers of Michel Picard and Jeff Hoggan |url = https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/griffins-to-retire-jersey-numbers-of-michel-picard-and-jeff-hoggan/n-5746518 |access-date = September 16, 2021 |website = OurSports Central }}</ref>
|-
|'''10''' ||[[Jeff Hoggan]] ||[[Winger (ice hockey)|LW]] ||2012–2016 ||April 2, 2022<ref name = "PicardHoggan"/>
|-
|'''24''' ||[[Travis Richards]] ||[[Defenceman|D]] ||1996–2006 ||November 24, 2006<ref>{{cite web |date = September 14, 2006 |title = Travis Richards night Nov. 24 |url = https://griffinshockey.com/news/travis-richards-night-nov-24-1 |access-date = February 3, 2017 |publisher = Grand Rapids Griffins}}</ref>
|}

==Club records==
;Single season
* Most [[goal (ice hockey)|goals]]: [[Donald MacLean (ice hockey)|Donald MacLean]], 56, 2005–06
* Most [[assist (ice hockey)|assists]]: [[Jiri Hudler]], 60, 2005–06
* Most [[point (ice hockey)|points]]: [[Michel Picard (ice hockey)|Michel Picard]], 101, 1996–97
* Most [[penalty minutes]]: [[Darryl Bootland]], 390, 2005–06
* Most wins: [[Mike Fountain]], 2000–01, and [[Joey MacDonald]], 2004–05, 34
* Best [[goals against average]]: [[Martin Prusek]], 1.83, 2001–02
* Best [[save percentage]]: Joey MacDonald, .936, 2003–04

;Career
* Most goals: Michel Picard, 158
* Most assists: Michel Picard, 222
* Most points: Michel Picard, 380
* Most penalty minutes: Darryl Bootland, 1,164
* Most wins: [[Tom McCollum]], 123
* Most [[shutout]]s: Joey MacDonald, 20
* Most games: [[Travis Richards]], 655

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{official website|https://griffinshockey.com/}}
*[http://www.griffinscentral.com Griffinscentral.com]
*[http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/teamseasons.php?tid=2675 The Internet Hockey Database - Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)]
*[http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/teamseasons.php?tid=858 The Internet Hockey Database - Grand Rapids Griffins (IHL)]

{{Grand Rapids Griffins}}
{{Detroit Red Wings}}
{{AHL}}
{{IHL (1945–2001)}}
{{Michigan Sports}}
{{Grand Rapids, Michigan}}

[[Category:Grand Rapids Griffins|Grand Rapids Griffins]]
[[Category:American Hockey League teams]]
[[Category:Detroit Red Wings minor league affiliates|1]]
[[Category:Ice hockey clubs established in 1996]]
[[Category:Sports in Grand Rapids, Michigan]]
[[Category:Professional ice hockey teams in Michigan]]
[[Category:Ottawa Senators minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in Michigan]]