The Detroit Red Wings are the subject of the latest NHL Prospect Pool Overview Series. Tony Ferrari examines the team’s prospects, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of their recent draft class, positional depth, and NHL potential. Players who have lost their rookie eligibility in the NHL are classified as graduates and typically excluded from this analysis, except in unique cases.
Initially, the Red Wings have been stuck in the middle-tier of competition, frequently close to playoff contention but falling short in crucial moments, including narrowly missing postseason spots in recent seasons. Their consistent mid-level performance and some of the unluckiest outcomes in NHL Draft Lottery history have led to a prospect pool with quantity but lacking standout elite players.
Their prospects are mainly suited for middle-six roles on the roster, with few elite talents expected to have a major impact. Carter Bear, their recent first-round pick, shows promise as a reliable second-line winger capable of executing the coach’s game plan effectively. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has a realistic shot of becoming an impactful player, offering two-way skills, physical maturity, strong board play, and solid shooting. He plays a more tactical game compared to Bear and could help fill top-line roles alongside stars like Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin, though his adaptation to North American hockey is still pending.
Carter Mazur is versatile, likely fitting bottom-six roles but with potential to rise higher despite battling injuries, including one during his NHL debut. He brings high energy, good shot potential, and notable hard skills. Nate Danielson, a steady AHL performer with 39 points in 71 games, is expected to take a step forward and could become a useful NHL contributor, especially if roster injuries or form issues arise. His style is more functional than flashy, fitting the team’s pragmatic approach.
Russian left winger Dmitri Buchelnikov, a high-upside prospect, impresses with his skills, vision, smooth passing, and elite skating in the KHL. He could become a major asset within a year or two, having ranked among the top young players in the league. Graduated prospects from defense like Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinson have had successful transitions, with Axel Sandin-Pellikka seen as the next potential high-impact defenseman. Sandin-Pellikka is a talented Swedish defenseman who won the Salming Trophy and excelled in junior international competitions. He is expected to start in the AHL but might see NHL action soon.
Shay Bueum had a strong rookie AHL season with offensive upside and effective puck movement, potentially fitting as a third-pairing defenseman in the NHL. William Warder could be a call-up candidate, valued for his size, mobility, and defensive reliability, though likely limited to lower pair roles.
The Red Wings prioritize goalie development, highlighted by top prospects Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine. Cossa has shown size and athleticism, performing well in the AHL, while Augustine has impressed in the NCAA and international play with elite mobility and technique. The hope is these two eventually form a strong goaltending duo.
Key under-23 players expected to play NHL games this season include Marco Kasper, Simon Edvinsson, Lucas Raymond, Carter Mazur, and Nate Danielson.
Their 2025 draft picks reflect a pattern of selecting high-motor, physical players. Carter Bear, despite an Achilles injury, is praised for his work ethic, two-way play, and ability to create scoring chances. Eddie Genborg, a Swedish right winger, offers physicality and defensive reliability with solid offensive skills. Slovak goalie Mikal Pradel impressed in international under-18 competitions and adds size and agility to the goaltender pipeline. Brent Solomon, a Minnesota high school prospect, possesses a powerful shot but will need time to develop other aspects of his game. Michal Svrcek, a small but productive forward, shows playmaking ability and speed. Nikita Tyurin is a developing defender with potential but inconsistent play. Wilmurphy, a physical defender, is a defense-first player with limited offensive impact. Grayden Robertson Palmer, a high school pick, is a speedy attacker with raw skills and NCAA potential.
Strengths of the Red Wings lie heavily in their goaltending prospects, with Cossa and Augustine ranked among the best outside the NHL. Their consistent drafting of goalies ensures a steady pipeline here. The major weakness is the lack of high-end elite talent, especially among centers, with Marco Kasper likely settling as a third-line center. The forward group lacks a star winger to complement top players like Larkin and Raymond.
A hidden gem is Jesse Kiiskinen, a fast, skillful right winger recently acquired and expected to shine in the AHL and potentially the NHL soon. Nate Danielson, despite being less flashy, could solidify Detroit’s center depth behind their stars and push veterans to lesser roles.
In summary, the Red Wings’ prospect pool is filled with hardworking, physical players and promising goalies, but lacks elite stars needed to elevate the team significantly. With developing talent across positions and strategic drafting, Detroit aims to build a competitive core for the future.
Fan Take: For hockey fans, this analysis highlights why the Red Wings remain an exciting team to watch, blending solid depth with promising goalies and emerging forwards. As these prospects develop, Detroit could shift from perennial middle-of-the-pack to genuine contenders, potentially reshaping the NHL landscape in the coming years.
