MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #4 Detroit Red Wings – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 4th (Last Year - 4th)
GM: Steve Yzerman Hired: April 2019
COACH: Todd McLellan Hired: December 2024

The Detroit Red Wings’ rebuild — widely known as the “Yzerplan” — once again fell just short, with the organization missing the playoffs for a tenth consecutive season. That said, the foundation is firmly in place and ready to break through eventually. Anchored by Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and veteran Patrick Kane — along with recent graduates Marco Kasper, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, and Simon Edvinsson — Detroit is steadily inching closer to contention.

The goaltending pipeline stands out as the organization’s greatest strength. Sebastian Cossa continues to build on his development, putting together another strong season in Grand Rapids and marking three consecutive years of steady progression in the AHL. He is expected to be firmly in the mix for a full-time NHL role next season. He will not be alone in that pursuit, as Trey Augustine is fresh off signing his professional contract and set to begin his push at the pro level. Up front, Detroit’s system is highlighted by emerging forwards Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, both of whom are trending toward competing for full-time NHL roles during the 2026–27 season.

The draft outlook, however, will look different this year. Yzerman moved the organization’s 2026 first-round pick in a deal to acquire veteran defenseman Justin Faulk, meaning Detroit is currently positioned to miss out on a first-round selection for the first time since 2012. Is it time to start leveraging assets for further win-now pieces? While results have yet to fully align with the patience invested in the rebuild, the Red Wings’ depth suggests that a breakthrough may not be far off.

1. Sebastian Cossa, G, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

In what will likely be his last AHL season, Cossa has emerged as one of the best goalies in the league. He’s long been a top tier prospect since he was taken in the first round of the 2021 draft but has had some ups and downs in his development to get to this point. This is often the case with top goalie prospects and Cossa was always seen as a long-term project with his size (6-foot-6) and athleticism forming the basis of developing an elite puck stopper. While it’s been a while since he was drafted, he is still only 23 years old and Detroit fans should be thrilled about his NHL potential. At this point, Cossa still projects as a long-term #1 option in the NHL and is one of the best goalie prospects in the NHL. There’s also a chance he could be an option in the future for Canadian best on best hockey at the World Cup and Olympics. They’ll need some youth between the pipes and many pundits have already projected Cossa on their 2030 rosters. It would be surprising if he’s not in the NHL next season, but the Red Wings might wait until they can usher him into a starting role.

2. Nate Danielson, C, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

Splitting his time between the NHL and AHL this season, Danielson hasn’t quite developed as you’d hope for a top 10 selection already in his D+3 season, especially a player who was already one of the oldest in his class. He looked close to cracking the Red Wings roster directly out of training camp after his draft but still failed to do so on a full-time basis. In a limited sample, his scoring has increased considerably in his sophomore AHL season with 15 points in 18 games. He also possesses many desirable attributes – the same ones that led him to being selected in the top 10. He’s a rangy centre who knows how to play at both ends. His playmaking is underrated and will be a key strength in the NHL, but his goal scoring ability hasn’t come through at the pro level yet. Danielson still has upside as a two-way second-line centre and looks likely to hit that projection. He should be pencilled into the Red Wings opening lineup as a centre in 2026-27.

3. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

After an underwhelming 2024-25 season in the SHL, Brandsegg-Nygard has taken his offense to another level in the AHL this season. Brandsegg-Nygard is as close to a lock of becoming a long-term NHLer as any prospect. As a power forward who has bottom-six written all over him, Brandssegg-Nygard is a fan favourite type player who loves to impose himself physically. Even if he isn’t scoring, he is bound to make an impact. Certainly, the Red Wings were hoping for a little more upside than a decent bottom-six checking winger when they picked him 15th overall. However, he’s extremely likely to hit that floor and should be able to provide more value than that down the line. The most likely outcome is a middle-six power winger who can play in all situations. He will become the type of player who fans will value highly and will be respected around the league, but I don’t see massive offensive potential with him.

4. Trey Augustine, G, Michigan State University (NCAA) (Currently with Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL)

Augustine is in serious consideration for the title of “the best goaltender outside of the NHL.” He has hit another level in 2025-26, allowing under a goal per game and hitting a .929 save percentage. Adam Nightengale will tell anyone who will listen that Trey is a goaltender who can win games for teams. Detroit is getting one of the steadiest goaltenders that the NCAA has seen since Dryden McKay, the last goalie to win the Hobey Baker. His athleticism is only matched by his quickness and ability to read the play. Augustine has often been left out to dry by his defense in this recent Big Ten stretch, and he has faced some dangerous pressure with calmness rivaled by no other goalie. His next challenge will be adapting to pro hockey in the AHL, which could start as early as next season if he signs after his junior year like expected. With Cossa, Augustine, and found gold in Postava, the Wings look set in net for the next decade.

5. Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Carter Bear has “NHLer” written all over him. The Everett Silvertips winger was selected 14th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in last year’s NHL Draft following a highly productive campaign which he collected 40 goals and 46 assists in just 56 games. Bear signed his entry-level contract the Red Wings last summer, forgoing an opportunity to take the NCAA. The Silvertips winger currently plays on one of the WHL’s most dangerous lines, flanking Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen and undrafted Finnish winger Matias Vanhanen. While the offensive numbers haven’t taken a big step forward, it’s Bear compete level that will have him being a highly effective pro in the years to come. His calling card has always been his work ethic and nonstop motor, as he’s always in the middle of puck battles, where his physicality and unrelenting desire to apply pressure make him a threat to opponents the minute he steps on the ice. Bear’s shooting and playmaking ability are also highly effective tools, he drives pucks to high-danger areas and isn’t afraid to crash the net looking for rebounds. While he’s not the type of player that’ll post gaudy offensive numbers at the NHL, he’ll be a coach’s delight thanks to his ability to leave it all out on the ice and make an impact on every shift, and it’s easy to project him as a top-nine forward that can play in all situations. Bear is all but ready to take the next step to the professional ranks.

6. Max Plante, LW, University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

The Plante brothers are now becoming known for their craftiness, and none is more crafty than their middle brother, Max. In just his sophomore season, he has made a serious case for the Hobey Baker Award, scoring over 25 goals and 52 points. Plante is especially skilled in his stick and his skates, bugging the living daylights out of opponents trying to stop his potent offensive game. Though he may not convert on every zone entry, he is relentless, carrying the puck through the neutral zone with fearless determination. Plante’s ability to cut through defenses has translated brilliantly in the offensive zone in both of his collegiate seasons, with this current season putting him at the top of scoring leaderboards. He should continue to create a good amount of offense in the AHL next season, if he elects to turn pro, and then again in a bottom-six role for Detroit later down the line. A similar player to Carter Mazur in the Wings' system, hopefully Plante is able to avoid the injuries that have piled up for Mazur.

7. Eddie Genborg, RW, Timra (SHL) (Currently with Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL)

Genborg has already shattered any and all expectations the hockey world had of him heading into his DY+1. He got off to a white-hot start with Timrå IK scoring 13 points in 18 SHL games between September 13th and November 1st. He was also a major factor in Sweden’s WJC triumph, bringing a heavy forechecking presence and a nice finishing touch around the net. With Genborg, what you see is what you get. He’s a tough customer. He hits hard and never takes a shift off. His skating quickness is much improved, though his agility still needs work. It hampers his puck protection in tight, but not too much as he’s very difficult to physically knock off the puck. His rush attack instincts have always been great, and he should be an effective rush attacker and netfront finisher in the NHL. While he has many aspects of a modern power forward and can flash some hands and playmaking every now and then, his lacklustre speed-skill level may hold him back from a top six role in the NHL. However, Genborg has a very high floor and should easily find a role in the bottom 6 as a checking winger who can score goals.

8. Amadeus Lombardi, C, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

One of many Red Wings’ prospects making an impact on the AHL’s best team, Lombardi has done enough to earn a look in the NHL at some point in the near future. He’s been close to a point-per-game player for over a year now playing as a centre. Since he turns 23 this season, it’s more likely Lombardi is able to carve out a future bottom-six role with the Red Wings rather than emerge as a difference maker in the top of the lineup. That being said, Lombardi is a centre who brings crafty playmaking ability. If last season’s performance wasn’t enough, I wonder how good he will have to be at the AHL level to get a proper NHL look? Detroit is famously patient with their prospects but he’s turning 23 this year. Time to give him a shot and see what he can do. Unfortunately for Lombardi, his floor is still that of an AHL-NHL tweener.

9. Michal Postava, G, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

Coming out of absolutely nowhere as an undrafted free agent signing, Postava has emerged as a legit goalie prospect in the Red Wings system to rival Cossa and Augustine. With Cossa also in the crease in Grand Rapids, Postava hasn’t been able to play a starting role, even though he deserves an opportunity at this point. It’s unfortunate for Postava but a good problem to have for the Red Wings, who now have arguably the best goaltending prospect depth in the NHL. Postava never played in any major international tournaments and was never drafted, but a few seasons of stellar growth in the Czech hockey system and he has become a legit NHL prospect. His excellent performance in Czechia last year has been proven to not be a fluke this season, as his save% ranks near the very top in the AHL. He hasn’t seen as much action as Cossa this season but has arguably been just as good stopping 93.9% of shots faced.

10. Carter Mazur, LW, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

Injuries have really stalled Mazur’s development. He missed the majority of last year with a fractured elbow and has been out most of this year with a lower body injury. There’s no question that he still has a chance to develop into a high-end middle six winger, but he needs to stay on the ice. The good news is that he has returned recently and has been playing outstanding hockey. Other than size, Mazur has everything you’d look for in a complementary middle six type. He is a solid skater. He competes hard in all three zones. He has strong scoring instincts and an excellent shot. He plays physically and competes for touches. Truthfully, Mazur is a very well-rounded player. Again, the key is just staying healthy. Can he continue to play this aggressive style of game at his size and avoid injury? The Wings are likely to leave Mazur in the AHL to close out this year and if he can stay healthy, he’ll put himself in position to earn a roster spot with the main club to start next year.

11. Jesse Kiiskinen, RW, HPK (Liiga)

At first glance, Kiiskinen’s season, after a loan back to HPK, could be seen as a disappointment after last year’s breakout. However, HPK is a low scoring team, and his advanced metrics are holding steady. Kiiskinen will make the jump to the AHL next year.

12. Shai Buium, D, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

Buium got a late start to his sophomore pro season after rehabbing an injury, but he’s been relatively solid for Grand Rapids. The questions remain about his future role as a jack of all trades type, but he could very well develop into a solid bottom pairing type.

13. William Wallinder, D, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

It appears obvious that Wallinder will never develop an above average offensive game from the blueline. However, his defensive game and physical play has improved over three seasons in the AHL giving hope that he could be a third pairing type.

14. Anton Johansson, D, Leksands IF (SHL)

Even though Johansson did see some time in the AHL last year, Detroit loaned him back to the SHL this year where he has been a dependable two-way defender for Leksands. Much like Buium and Wallinder, there’s a chance that he could end up a serviceable NHL defender.

15. Larry Keenan, D, UMass (NCAA)

Keenan has had a terrific sophomore season at UMass, emerging as one of the NCAA’s top defensive defenders, on top of improving his on puck play. Was part of the U.S. roster for the Spengler Cup. Detroit has to be very happy with his progression.