Simon Edvinsson – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – DETROIT RED WINGS – Team Preview/Player Profiles/Predictions

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 19:51:57 +0000

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 09: Detroit Red Wings Right Wing Lucas Raymond (23) in action during the game between Calgary Flames and Detroit Red Wings on February 9, 2023 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI (Photo by Allan Dranberg/Icon Sportswire)

For the ninth straight season, the Detroit Red Wings came up short of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their 86 points put them five points out of the wild card a year after they lost the tiebreaker to the Washington Capitals for the final wild card spot. They’ve been close to getting back, but close isn’t good enough and a midseason slump last year cost Derek Lalonde his job as head coach and ushered in Todd McLellan who helped turn things around for a spell. While Detroit was painfully average at five-on-five, they again had one of the top power plays in the league. They had the fourth best team at the man advantage scoring 27 percent of the time. However, they had the league’s worst penalty kill at 70.1 percent. What McLellan can do with a full offseason and training camp will be curious to see because the team performed much better under him in the second half of the year, but as we’ve seen in his last few stops around the league recently, his demanding nature can wear teams down.

What’s Changed?

Goaltending has been a problem in Detroit for the past few years, and they made sure to address it this summer by adding John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. The longtime Ducks No. 1 will look to be Detroit’s saviour in net and, when healthy, he’s proven to be a top-flight netminder. He ceded the No. 1 job in Anaheim last year to Lukas Dostal, but in 29 games he went 11-11-2 with a .912 save percentage. In his career he’s 204-217-63 with a .910 save percentage and 24 shutouts. The Red Wings haven’t had a goalie this accomplished since Jimmy Howard was their No. 1. In free agency, they added veteran depth with James van Riemsdyk up front and Travis Hamonic on defence for one year each. Mason Appleton signed for two years, $5.8 million. Vladimir Tarasenko was sent to Minnesota for future considerations after he struggled and wasn’t happy in Detroit last season.

What Would Success Look Like?

If the Red Wings can mimic what division rivals Ottawa and Montreal did last year and took a rocket ride on the backs of their young stars to make the playoffs, that would have everyone in Detroit doing cartwheels. Led by Dylan Larkin and with emerging stars like Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider, it feels like the Red Wings are right there to be a playoff team. Having Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane helping Detroit’s power play fill the net is huge, and the addition of Gibson ideally quiets everything else down in goal. Detroit’s defence stands out as a weak point, however, as Seider must be and do everything for them. So far, he’s been able to shoulder that load and will need to keep it up for them to crack through to the playoffs.

What Could Go Wrong?

Slumps crushed non-playoff teams in the Eastern Conference last year (just ask Buffalo and Columbus) and any prolonged period of losing means giving up points and ground to the competition. Detroit has a lot of young parts but is a very veteran group. That age can come with the hazards of injuries and dips in performance. For as much as Gibson is a savior for them in goal, his injury history is something that looms over what they can do. Having Cam Talbot as an experienced backup is a huge bonus, but when he was given a heavier workload last season, injuries and performance got in the way. General Manager Steve Yzerman needs all of his moves to come up as hits or else.

Top Breakout Candidate

If there’s a player to keep an eye out for it in Detroit, forward Marco Kasper is the one. The Red Wings’ first-round pick from 2022 had an outstanding rookie season with 19 goals and 18 assists in 77 games. He may not have been expected to carry that kind of load for them when camp opened last year, but his play forced the issue. Now Kasper is slated to be the No. 2 center behind Dylan Larkin and that added depth up the middle suddenly has Detroit feeling very good about the position and for good reason. Kasper’s skill set is outstanding and his creativity with the puck makes him dangerous in the offensive zone.

FORWARDS

Lucas Raymond

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	28	56	84	1.02

After a stereotypically down sophomore season, Lucas Raymond rebounded from it in a massive way the past two seasons and took things to an even higher-level last year. Raymond led the Red Wings in scoring with 80 points including 27 goals. His playmaking was outstanding both at even strength and on the power play. He led the team with 53 assists including 29 with the man advantage. Although Raymond had 31 goals two seasons ago, it’s helping his teammates score goals where he’s able to do even more damage. Whether it means he’s feeding Dylan Larkin or finding Alex DeBrincat or Patrick Kane to score, that he can finish plays himself as well adds to the danger he provides. It's been impressive to see Raymond’s game take steps forward since his tough second season in 2022-2023. Given some of the struggles the Red Wings had in general, it would’ve been easy enough for a young player to continue to struggle with them. Instead, we’ve seen Raymond develop a bit of an edge to his game and not allow others to push him around. That added confidence has allowed his game to further flourish and grow alongside his veteran teammates.

Dylan Larkin

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	32	44	76	0.93

It’s a shame the Detroit Red Wings haven’t made the playoffs since 2016 because watching Dylan Larkin play and perform with the kind of consistency he does only makes us wonder how good he’d be with the stakes being higher. We got a taste of that in the Four Nations Face-Off when he played for the United States, but with the heart and soul he puts into his play for Detroit, it’s tough to see his efforts not extend to the postseason. The Red Wings captain had 30 goals for the fourth straight season and finished with 70 points, tied for second with Alex DeBrincat behind Lucas Raymond for the team lead. Incredibly, the 29-year-old center is headed into his 11th season with Detroit and with the kind of consistent production he’s provided them over the years, having him help bring Raymond into stardom on his wing does wonders for their success. Whether he has DeBrincat or Patrick Kane on the right side works well for them to provide a top line that can do damage against every team in the league. Larkin was a big-time player on the power play as he tied with DeBrincat for the team lead with 13 power play goals. Oddly enough, he was fourth in power play points behind his linemates on the first unit Raymond, Kane, and DeBrincat and just ahead of Moritz Seider. He’s doing his part to lead them, but management just needs to give them more depth to get them back to the playoffs.

Alex DeBrincat

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	40	37	77	0.94

In the two seasons since being acquired from Ottawa, Alex DeBrincat has made the Red Wings’ investment in him look like a very smart one. DeBrincat led the Red Wings in goals with 39 last season and came within two of tying his career-high of 41, something he did twice while with the Chicago Blackhawks. He had 70 points and finished tied for second on Detroit in scoring with Dylan Larkin behind sometimes linemate Lucas Raymond. Where DeBrincat proved to be dangerous was part of the Red Wings’ wicked power play attack in which he tied with Dylan Larkin with 13 goals. Whether it’s acting as a sniper or a goal mouth threat, success was easy enough to be found for the diminutive offensive dynamo. Over his two seasons with Detroit. DeBrincat has 66 goals and 137 points. Bringing him back home to Michigan has been a great move for GM Steve Yzerman and the way he fits in with their top attackers has made it a home run move. It’s difficult to ask for more from DeBrincat in the years to come, especially after how well he performed last season, but Detroit does need a little extra from everyone. That said, if he repeats what he did last season it sets the Red Wings up well by having a virtual 40-goal scorer built right in.

Patrick Kane

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
70	20	35	55	0.79

It might be the norm for fans online to highlight the defensive shortcomings in Patrick Kane’s game but looking past that to what he’s still accomplishing offensively as he turns 36 years old is reason enough to be appreciative of his play. Kane had 59 points for Detroit last season, 29 of which came on the power play. His 59 points and 21 goals were fourth most on the Red Wings last season and he was part of a top power play unit there that was fourth best in the NHL. Kane’s 12 power play goals put him one behind both Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat who each had 13. In two seasons with Detroit, Kane’s scored 41 goals in 122 games and put up 106 points. For Kane in his prime, those were single-season-type numbers, but now, after having hip surgery two years ago and being north of 35, he’s been a solid performer, especially on the power play. He’ll begin this season just eight goals shy of 500 for his career, a mark only 48 players in league history have accomplished. With Toronto’s John Tavares two goals ahead of him, it’ll be a race between them to see who can hit the mark first. In the long run, Kane hopes to get Detroit back to the postseason for the first time since 2016. Kane himself has only been to the playoffs twice in the past eight seasons.

Marco Kasper

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
81	28	30	58	0.72

When the Red Wings drafted Marco Kasper eighth overall in 2022, their excitement in doing so had to be immense. He came with a sky-high skill set, tremendous offensive instincts and outstanding skating ability. Upon his arrival into the NHL full-time last season, it became apparent as the season rolled on that they landed a player that could be a fixture there for some time. Kasper put up 19 goals and 18 assists (37 points) in 77 games last season and ascended the lineup after he was eased into action early in the season. When he eventually found his way into the top half of the forward group, it proved to be a fortuitous decision because of the creativity he injected into any line he played with. Even with his somewhat tempered usage, he had the opportunity to work on lines with all of the Red Wings’ top players. Call it on-the-job learning if you’d like, but what it did was help the team figure out what types of players he blended best. As he heads into his sophomore season, the hope is he can avoid the struggles usually associated with that. Whoever Kasper lines up with this season, he’ll have the benefit of having a strong first season to show him the way and, ideally, prior experience playing alongside his wingers to hit the ground running.

Jonatan Berggren

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
77	15	17	32	0.42

Hopes have been high in Detroit for Jonatan Berggren. When they selected him in the second round of the 2018 draft, they knew they were getting a player out of Sweden who could fill the net there. While he’s been able to do the same whenever he’s been in the AHL, doing so at the NHL level has been a bit more difficult. Last season with Detroit, Berggren had 12 goals and 12 assists in 75 games. What stood out more about Berggren’s run last season was his role, as he averaged just under 13 minutes of ice time per game. Playing on the third or fourth line doesn’t exactly lend itself to producing big numbers or being asked to play a role in which offense will be stressed. That wasn’t quite the case last season as he played a bit less than half of his five-on-five minutes with Vladimir Tarasenko and J.T. Compher. While Compher matches up well defensively, Tarasenko is much more capable offensively. Berggren possesses a lot of skill and ability and after he put up 15 goals in his rookie season in 2022-2023, the thought was he was poised to breakout as their next big offensive weapon. But his second season did not go well, and he spent most of that year scoring in the AHL. If he’s going to be a bigger part of this team, he’ll need to fight his way into a top six or nine role to do so or become a stronger defensive forward and the time to do it is right now.

Andrew Copp

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
75	9	15	24	0.32

No one’s seen their role change more the past few seasons in Detroit than Andrew Copp. When the Red Wings signed him as a free agent in 2022 after he had a 21-goal, 53-point season split between the Winnipeg Jets and New York Rangers, the idea was he’d slot in as their defensive-minded but offensively capable number two center, and they’d roll from there. When Copp posted nine goals and 33 assists in his first season with Detroit, however, it was clear their confidence things would work out was shaken because J.T. Compher was signed after that season and took over that role. Since then, he’s been steady in a slightly lesser position down in the lineup, although a pectoral injury ended his season in late February and he was held to 56 games. With Marco Kasper’s rise and hopeful improvement as well as Compher’s established role on the team, the likelihood of Copp anchoring the fourth line would seem high. Detroit is deeper on the wings with the additions of James van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton and if Copp is holding down a line lower in the lineup that should benefit them well in matchups because he should ideally be better than other teams’ third- or fourth-line centers.

J.T. Compher

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
79	13	19	32	0.41

Two years ago, when Detroit signed J.T. Compher to a five-year, $25.5 million deal, the idea for him was to lock-in as their number two center behind Dylan Larkin. Compher could score and defend well enough to provide a bit of a change-up in how to handle matchups and when it came to blending lines. After all, he just came off a career-high 52-point season. He followed it up with 48 points in his first season with the Red Wings and it seemed like things would work out appropriately. Last season, however, Compher’s stats fell more in line with what we’ve seen from him before in Colorado. He had 11 goals and finished with 32 points and averaged 16:41 time on-ice per game. Even though his ice time was down, he still played a vital all-around role for Detroit and was part of their power play and penalty kill units. For most of the season, Compher centered a line with Vladimir Tarasenko and Jonatan Berggren but also worked a fair bit with Patrick Kane on the wing as well. It’s a compliment to him that he plays up in the lineup with offensively talented guys like Tarasenko and Kane but also can hold his own on the penalty kill as well. That said, if he’s lining up with Kane you’d like to see better offensive numbers. Now with young rising star Marco Kasper becoming more of an offensive threat, there’s a possibility we see Compher playing a role that leans more towards defending than attacking under coach Todd McLellan.

James van Riemsdyk

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
68	15	22	37	0.54

The Red Wings needed veteran help down in the lineup and landed 36-year-old James van Riemsdyk to do just that. As a big player with good hands and positioning around the net, he’s able cause issues around the net cleaning up loose pucks and taking away goaltenders’ eyes. Last season with Columbus, van Riemsdyk had 16 goals and 20 assists (36 points) and helped balance out the latter part of the Blue Jackets lineup. Throughout his career, he’s been known for his ability to score around the goal and in the slot when given quality looks. With how good he is handling the puck down low, he provides a ton of value in his own zone and very well may play on the Red Wings’ second power play unit. Van Riemsdyk teamed up often with younger players like Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli in Columbus and did so in Boston the year before with Trent Frederic and Morgan Geekie to give them a veteran to lean on and learn from. That kind of role might be recreated with Detroit with guys like Marco Kasper and Jonatan Berggren. Overall, the past five or six years have seen van Riemsdyk become a steady 35-to-40 point player with anywhere from 15-to-20 goals a year. The Red Wings hope that trend continues, and he can help guide their younger players.

DEFENCE

Moritz Seider

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	12	44	56	0.68

Defensemen are traditionally the workhorses of every NHL team, but in Moritz Seider’s case he was that and then some. Seider was Detroit’s No. 1 defenseman in every way last season. He played the most minutes, had the most goals, assists and points, and was their exclusive power play quarterback. Red Wings defensemen had 26 points on the power play and Seider was responsible for 24 of them. He had four out of five goals from blue liners with the man advantage as well. Simply put, he was brilliant. Because of his heavy all-around usage, Seider’s advanced stats were basically break-even when it came to shot attempts and scoring chances but considering what he generated for Detroit in all situations, it’s hard to argue with his value to them. What would do the Red Wings a lot of good is to have someone, anyone, to do some of the things that Seider can do reasonably well. As a No. 1 defenseman he’s going to shoulder most of the responsibilities to begin with, but a lot is demanded of him the way things are. Fortunately, he’s been able to handle it with aplomb. Seider played more than half of his minutes at five-on-five with defensive defenseman Ben Chiarot which allowed Seider to have more freedom to join the attack in the offensive zone, but overall, that pairing struggled preventing attempts. Most of the rest of his ice time was spent with Simon Edvinsson and that pairing saw shot numbers improve greatly. If that pairing is reunited it could be beneficial to both.

Simon Edvinsson

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
81	8	28	36	0.44

Last season was Simon Edvinsson’s first full one in the NHL and he was able to make enough of an impression to earn a larger role moving ahead into this season. Edvinsson had seven goals and 24 assists in 78 games with the Red Wings and averaged 21:07 time on-ice. The sizable uptick in his playing time is due in part to being paired with No. 1 defender Moritz Seider for roughly half of his minutes played at five-on-five. The other half of his playing time was spent with rookie Albert Johansson where those two played more or less as Detroit’s number two pairing. Edvinsson, the sixth overall pick in the 2021 draft, stands at 6-foot-6, 210 pounds and while he casts an imposing figure, his game is better built around his ability to move the puck, and he has surprising elusiveness while carrying it. A defender his size makes many believe he’ll throw his body around to make plays, but that’s not exactly the case. While he gets in the way of shots in the defensive zone, playing physically is not his main objective. The points he generated last season show that he could be effective in being part of a second wave of attack from the blue line and give Seider proper backup in handling that role.

Erik Gustafsson

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
68	1	17	18	0.26

Entering his second season with the Red Wings, Erik Gustafsson looks to continue in his role supplying puck support in helping the team escape their own end and generating more of an attack up the ice. Last season, Gustafsson posted two goals and 16 assists in 60 games while averaging 16:19 in ice time. That kind of usage put him solidly in a third pairing role and he played more than 80 percent of his five-on-five ice time with Justin Holl. A broken foot ended his season in late March. Known always more for being an offensive defenseman, Gustafsson handled that role well and was a positive influence in generating more shot attempts than allowed while he was on the ice and the Red Wings scoring chance quality was greater than they gave up when he was out there as well. In his kind of position on the third pairing, that’s all you can ask for along with limiting goals allowed. Unfortunately, Gustafsson’s minus-19 plus-minus rating was the lowest on the team. He’ll be expected to play a similar role again this season and whether he reunites with Holl or teams up with summer signee Jacob Bernard-Docker, the third pair would seem to be squared away.

Ben Chiarot

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
78	4	12	16	0.21

There may be no more fascinating player in Detroit than Ben Chiarot and it’s for a host of reasons. Chiarot is a straightforward defensive defenseman. He plays physical all over the ice, ties up pucks in the corners, battles in front of the net and blocks shots. Relying on him for big offense isn’t something that will work out, but if there’s a guy you need to do the dirty work in the defensive end of the ice, that’s what he’ll do. Last season, Chiarot had four goals and nine assists in 81 games. The numbers that matter more for him, however, were the 142 blocked shots and 127 hits delivered while averaging 21:14 in ice time. He spent most of last season partnered with Moritz Seider on the Red Wings’ top pairing with more than 800 minutes together at five-on-five. When he wasn’t with Seider he worked with Jeff Petry and that duo struggled to prevent shot attempts and scoring chances greatly. Whether Chiarot returns next to Seider or not could be a big factor in how well (or not) the Red Wings can have more success. Chiarot is entering the final year of his contract in Detroit and while he’s been a good soldier throughout his time there, the reliance they’ve had on him to play big minutes and key situations was controversial in its own way. That said, Detroit has had many needs as they’ve attempted to emerge from their rebuild and return to the postseason.

GOAL

John Gibson

Predicted Stats
GP	W	L	OT	SO	SV%	GAA
49	22	19	5	3	.905	2.68

Maybe John Gibson isn't a star starter capable of 60-70 games a season any longer, but the 31-year-old former Anaheim backstop proved last season - when his heir apparent Lukas Dostal embraced the bulk of the starts for the year - that he's still capable of putting together some great performances when he's not being asked to do too much too often. That makes him a potentially great fit for the still-retooling Detroit Red Wings, who were just a few wins shy of being a Wild Card last year. He'll join a returning Cam Talbot, who made it clear when he joined Detroit that he was looking for the opportunity to stay in one place for a bit - and with a perfectly acceptable year under his belt, he should make a strong pairing with Gibson to challenge in a tumultuous Atlantic.

Gibson obviously isn't a long-term answer for the Red Wings, but he's a great asset for the next few years - particularly given that his preferred style of play, which emphasizes a more conservative approach that forces shooters to show their hand before he makes a move, shares a number of traits with prospect Sebastian Cossa's own brand of goaltending. This provides a stylistic mentor for Cossa, a tandem partner for Talbot, and some security for Gibson as he finishes out his contract and considers his next move.

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD – San Jose rebuild on track – Favourable schedules and players to target

Ryan Dadoun — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 12:54:26 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 11: San Jose Sharks left wing William Eklund (72) (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

There are a number of teams that have effectively lost all hope of making the playoffs, but at the time of writing, only one team has been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention: The San Jose Sharks.

It’s the sixth straight year without a playoff berth for San Jose, which is by far the largest stretch of failure in the franchise’s history -- from the inaugural season in 1991-92 through 2018-19, the Sharks had missed the playoffs just six times in total -- and yet there’s a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

Macklin Celebrini has lived up to the hype in his rookie campaign with 21 goals and 50 points through 57 appearances, and the 22-year-old William Eklund is shaping up to be another strong member of the Sharks’ future with 15 goals and 50 points in 64 outings. They’re also seeing some preliminary success from 19-year-old Will Smith, who has provided 13 goals and 35 points in 61 appearances. We should also soon see Cameron Lund make his NHL debut after signing an entry-level contract with the Sharks on Friday. Perhaps the Sharks will try pairing Lund up with Eklund after the 20-year-old Lund supplied 18 goals and 40 points in 37 outings with Northeastern University this year.

In the long run, that young core of forwards might be backed up by 22-year-old netminder Yaroslav Askarov, who has struggled with the rebuilding Sharks (3.10 GAA, .896 save percentage in 13 outings), but has looked solid at the AHL level this campaign (2.52 GAA, .922 save percentage in 19 games).

If some of their other top prospects like Quentin Musty and Sam Dickinson work out, and the Sharks get value out of their four picks in the top two rounds of the 2025 and 2026 drafts, then San Jose could start moving in an upward trajectory quickly.

The only issue is that they have a lot of ground to gain. There’s a good chance the Sharks will finish with 60 or lower points for a third straight campaign. On the one hand, it’s a stretch that’s allowed them to put their full force into rebuilding, but there’s always the danger of falling into the Buffalo Sabres trap, where success always seems to be just around the corner.

An eventful summer might be the key for the Sharks, especially because the Sharks are currently swimming in cap space. They do need to be mindful of the big raises that Eklund, Celebrini and Smith will be due if all goes as hoped, but Celebrini and Smith won’t test the market for the first time until the summer of 2027, while Eklund will remain on his entry-level contract for the 2025-26 campaign, so there is a window here for the Sharks to spend. Their cap flexibility is also made a little easier by the fact that Marc-Edouard Vlasic’s $7 million contract comes off the books in the summer of 2026 and Couture’s $8 million cap hit ends after 2026-27, which will help offset some of those raises.

That will allow them to be aggressive on the UFA market, and it also opens the door for San Jose to potentially leverage some of its picks for veteran players. So, while the Sharks have some largely meaningless games ahead of them, this might end up being the summer of GM Mike Grier.

Buffalo Sabres (Tue vs OTT, Thu vs PIT, Sat @ PHI, Sun @ WAS)

It seems cruel to cite the Sabres as a cautionary tale whenever teams like the Sharks are in the midst of a rebuild, but that’s what they are. With a 27-34-6 record through Thursday’s action, Buffalo sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and is on course to miss the playoffs for a 14th straight season. That’s the longest postseason drought in the history of the league.

The Sabres will at least attempt to finish the season on a somewhat positive note. They’ll host Ottawa and Pittsburgh on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, before heading on the road to visit Philadelphia on Saturday and Washington on Sunday.

Buffalo’s single biggest issue this campaign has been an inability to keep the puck out of the net. The Sabres rank 29th in goals allowed per game with 3.52. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who managed a solid 2.57 GAA and a .910 save percentage in 54 appearances in 2023-24, hasn’t looked nearly as impressive this campaign, going 23-21-4 with a 3.16 GAA and an .888 save percentage.

It's tempting to say that the team in front of him has been the source of Luukkonen’s woes, and there’s certainly some backing for that assumption. The Sabres rank 29th in xGA/60 at 3.35, per Moneypuck, which implies that the defense has been making life miserable for the goaltenders. However, Luukkonen can’t completely escape blame. He also has a minus-4.6 goals saved above expected, which suggests that he’s been putting forth below average performances, and that’s compounded Buffalo’s already significant defensive issues. That’s also in contrast to 2023-24 when Luukkonen finished with a plus-9.4 goals saved above expected.

Buffalo has already made a long-term commitment to Luukkonen, albeit with a $4.75 million cap hit through 2028-29, which is on the low end for a veteran starter and is expected to get even more reasonable as the cap goes up. If he ends up needing to slide into a backup role, that contract will look like an overpay, but not to the point where it’s an anchor on Buffalo’s cap situation.

The ideal would be if Devon Levi lives up to the promise he showed in the NCAA, but so far the 23-year-old has left plenty to be desired in the NHL, posting a 3.29 GAA and an .894 save percentage through 39 appearances. Goaltenders tend to take longer to develop than any other NHL position, so it would be premature to write him off, but Buffalo assuming that a Luukkonen-Levi duo will eventually lead the franchise to the playoffs might be dangerous -- the potential is there, but it’s far from a sure thing.

That’s a long-term concern for Buffalo. In the short run, the Sabres can at least enjoy Ryan McLeod’s hot streak. He’s recorded a point in five straight games and has been held off the scoresheet just once over his last seven appearances, giving him two goals and seven points in that span. He’s set career highs in goals (16) and points (38) in his first campaign with Buffalo after being acquired from Edmonton, and the 25-year-old should be a solid presence for years to come while primarily centering the third line under ideal circumstances.

Detroit Red Wings (Mon @ UTA, Tue @ COL, Thu vs OTT, Sat vs BOS)

Detroit has won just two of its past 10 games, putting the Red Wings playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. They’ll need to do well next week to avoid slipping out of the postseason picture. The Red Wings will start on the road, facing Utah on Monday and Colorado on Tuesday. Detroit will then return home to host the Senators on Thursday and the Bruins on Saturday.

Buffalo’s postseason drought is the one that get the most attention, but Detroit hasn’t been to the postseason since 2016, so there are significant stakes to the Red Wings’ playoff run, especially because they’re not exactly a rebuilding squad anymore. Lucas Raymond (23 goals, 69 points) is still just 22 years old, while Dylan Larkin (28, 60) and Alex DeBrincat (31, 58) are in their late 20s, so Detroit’s core forwards aren’t old, but they’re not emerging prospects either. Two of Detroit’s top four defensemen (Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson) are under 25, but they are supplemented by aging veterans (Ben Chiarot, Jeff Petry).

Detroit does still have players that will get better with time. I’m very interested to see what the future holds for 20-year-old rookie Marco Kasper, who has 13 goals, 27 points, 30 PIM and 123 hits in 63 appearances this campaign, but Detroit is beyond the point where it can just shrug and say that short-term losing is a byproduct of the process.

Patrick Kane should be in no mood to be patient at the age of 36. He exploded with a five-point effort March 12 to lead Detroit past Buffalo. Kane also had a three-point showing March 1 versus Columbus, but he’s been inconsistent recently, so don’t look at his 11 points (three goals) in nine games this month and assume he’s red hot. The truth is more nuanced. Unfortunately, Detroit has lacked a steady hand on offense recently, which is a reflection of the team’s recent struggles overall.

Petr Mrazek, who was acquired from Chicago, has been given the opportunity to take over as Detroit’s starter. He’s got the nod in each of Detroit’s past four games, but the results have been mixed. He did post an 18-save shutout over Vegas on Sunday, but he also allowed at least three goals in each of the other three starts. Overall, he has a 2-2-0 record, 2.51 GAA and .901 save percentage in four appearances since joining Detroit. Still, Cam Talbot (2.96 GAA, .900 save percentage) and Alex Lyon (2.77 GAA, .900 save percentage) haven’t given Detroit much to be happy about this campaign, so Mrazek might continue to act as the Red Wings’ primary choice going forward.

Los Angeles Kings (Tue vs NYR, Thu @ COL, Sat vs TOR, Sun vs SJS)

The Kings sit third in the Pacific Division with a 37-21-9 record, but they still have a shot at catching Edmonton (40-24-5) and maybe even Vegas (40-20-8). The Kings will need a solid week to keep those prospects healthy. They’ll start by hosting the Rangers on Tuesday before playing in Colorado on Thursday. Afterward, the Kings will return home to face the Maple Leafs on Saturday and the Sharks on Sunday.

The Kings managed just four goals across eight games from March 13-20, so they don’t have any hot forwards. Kevin Fiala is about as close as you can find with a goal and three points over that four-game stretch, but he’s also been held off the scoresheet in seven of his past 12 contests, so his recent play is nothing to get excited over.

Meanwhile, Phillip Danault has just a goal and four points across his past 13. This is shaping up to be a disappointing campaign for him overall. He has just six goals in 66 games with a shooting percentage of 5.5, which is on course to be his lowest ever, excluding the two games he played in 2014-15. He also has no power-play points after recording 20 in 2022-23 and nine in 2023-24. On the one hand, he’s averaging 1:20 with the man advantage, the lowest of his four seasons with LA, which limits his chances, but Danault also hasn’t given the Kings much reason to use him more on the power play, so it’s a bit of a chicken and the egg issue. Either way, this campaign is looking like it’ll go down as a wash for Danault, and he certainly has been part of the issue for the Kings’ recent offensive drought, recording no points over the past four games.

This would be a bad stretch for the Kings, except Darcy Kuemper stopped 81 of 84 shots (.964 save percentage) while starting in those four games, and LA won three of those outings as a result. The 34-year-old goaltender is now 23-9-7 with a 2.13 GAA and a .918 save percentage in 40 appearances. In terms of GAA, this could be the best campaign of his career, excluding 2012-13 when he appeared in just six games. That’s quite a turnaround from 2023-24 (3.31 GAA, .890 save percentage), and it has to be said that Kuemper has a plus-15 goals saved above expected, which ranks 13th in the league, so this isn’t exclusively a case of him benefiting from strong defensively play in front of him -- though, the Kings do have a league-best 2.61 xGA/60, so the defense has been doing its part too.

Minnesota Wild (Mon @ DAL, Tue vs VGK, Thu vs WAS, Sat vs NJD)

Minnesota has a healthy edge in the battle for a wild-card spot, especially after winning its past two games. The Wild will look to build on their recent momentum when they play in Dallas on Monday. Minnesota will also host Vegas, Washington and New Jersey on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, respectively.

Although Minnesota is likely to make the playoffs, the extended absence of Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) has been felt. He’s appeared in just three games dating back to Dec. 27, and Minnesota is a mediocre 18-15-1 over that span while averaging just 2.50 goals per game. By contrast, the Wild went 21-10-4 while averaging 2.94 goals per game over their first 35 contests, which is a stretch when Kaprizov provided 23 goals and 50 points in 34 appearances (missing one game).

To make matters worse, Joel Eriksson Ek hasn’t played since Feb. 22 due to a lower-body injury. Coach John Hynes said Monday that Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek were progressing off ice, per Dylan Loucks of The Hockey News, which is mixed news. Any progress is good progress, but if they’re not skating yet, then they’re probably not close to returning. With so little time left in the campaign, I have to wonder if Minnesota is now simply looking ahead to the playoffs when it comes to Kaprizov. Maybe he’ll get into a few games toward the end of the regular season just to shake off the rust, but that might be all we can hope for.

At least Ryan Hartman is back from his eight-game suspension. He’s recorded three goals and six points in eight appearances since returning from his punishment. He also averaged 16:31 of ice time in that span, up from 15:00, as the Wild deal with injuries.

Minnesota also attempted to get help by acquiring Gustav Nyquist from Nashville on March 1, but that hasn’t moved the needle. Nyquist has registered just two assists in nine outings with Minnesota despite averaging 16:02 since the trade. He might see his role reduced once Eriksson Ek and Kaprizov are ready to return, especially if Nyquist doesn’t start heating up.

To wrap up on a somber note, we’re likely watching the final games of Marc-Andre Fleury. He hasn’t played much recently -- his last start was March 9 -- but the Wild do have a back-to-back coming Monday and Tuesday, so he’ll likely make his 885th career start and 1,048th appearance on one of those two nights. Fleury has solid backup at the age of 40, posting a 12-8-1 record, 2.73 GAA and .904 save percentage in 22 outings this campaign.

New Jersey Devils (Mon vs VAN, Wed @ CHI, Thu @ WPG, Sat @ MIN)

The Devils have been treading water lately, winning four of their past nine games. At this point, they’re unlikely to catch Carolina for the second seed in the Metropolitan Division, but the Devils are still likely to secure the third seed. In the meantime, they’ll start next week at home against Vancouver. The Devils will then hit the road, playing in Chicago on Wednesday, Winnipeg on Friday and Minnesota on Saturday.

Like Minnesota, New Jersey is dealing with some major injuries. Dougie Hamilton (lower body) hasn’t played since March 4 (he logged just 5:15 before exiting that March 4th game), and Jack Hughes (shoulder) was last in the lineup March 2.

New Jersey has gone 4-4-0 without Hamilton and Hughes, including the contest Hamilton was only briefly a part of in contrast to the Devils’ 33-23-6 record across their first 62 games. It’d be natural to assume their middling play lately has been as a result of a drop in offense, similar to what Minnesota has experienced, but the Devils have managed 2.88 goals per game over their last eight games, which isn’t much of a decline from their 2.98 before Hughes’ injury.

Instead, the problem has been at their own end. Jacob Markstrom has a 4.67 GAA and an .817 save percentage across his past five appearances. That leaky play has taken some of the shine out of the heroics from Jesper Bratt (three goals, 10 points in his past five games) and Luke Hughes (one goal, seven points in his past eight appearances).

Jake Allen has looked good, though, winning his past three starts while saving 99 of 103 shots (.961 save percentage). That contrast between New Jersey’s two goaltenders has resulted in Markstrom shifting from being the clear starter to serving in a rotation. I don’t expect that arrangement to persist for the remainder of the campaign, but it’ll probably last until Markstrom finds his footing again.

The Devils certainly have to hope Markstrom comes out of this cold patch sooner rather than later. While there is light at the end of the tunnel for Minnesota on the injury front -- albeit a distance light -- Jack Hughes isn’t expected back until training camp, and Hamilton probably won’t return until the second round at the earliest, provided the Devils make it that far. What they have now is all they can count on. Fortunately for New Jersey, Bratt, Nico Hischier and Timo Meier is still a solid forward core, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see that trio do well down the stretch, and Luke Hughes is a great alternative to Hamilton on the top power-play unit, which should result in Luke having a strong finish offensively.

New York Islanders (Mon vs CBJ, Wed vs VAN, Sat @ TBL, Sun @ CAR)

The Islanders have won their past three games, pushing them within striking distance of a wild-card spot. New York needs to stay hot next week to close the gap. They’ll start with a home game against Columbus, which is another team in the hunt for an Eastern Conference wild-card position. The Blue Jackets will also play at home against Vancouver on Wednesday before traveling to Tampa Bay on Saturday and Carolina on Sunday.

New York squeaking into the playoffs would be particularly impressive after they traded Brock Nelson to Colorado on March 6 in a where the key pieces back were prospect Calum Ritchie and a first-round pick. It’s not like the Islanders had offense to spare…or so you’d assume, but they’ve been getting help from unexpected sources lately.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau has a goal and six points while Simon Holmstrom has three goals and five points across the Islanders’ seven games since the trade. Both players are usually more complementary pieces when it comes to offense, but they do get on these kinds of hot streaks, making them nice situational pickups during times such as this.

Defensemen Noah Dobson and Anthony DeAngelo have also been major contributors during the same stretch, recording seven and six points, respectively. It’s been interesting that Dobson’s return from injury Feb. 27 hasn’t marginalized DeAngelo’s contributions. Rather than shift DeAngelo to the second power-play unit to make room for Dobson, the Islanders seem comfortable having two defensemen on their top group with the man advantage. DeAngelo has also continued to be used at even strength, averaging 22:18 of ice time in all situations since the return of Dobson.

DeAngelo’s always been a lightning rod for controversy, but it seems he’s found a good spot with the Islanders, and he should continue to be a meaningful contributor for the remainder of the campaign.

Ottawa Senators (Tue @ BUF, Thu @ DET, Sat vs CBJ, Sun @ PIT)

The Senators put themselves in a good spot by winning six straight from March 5-15, but they’ve hit a rough patch with back-to-back losses. The Senators still hold the first wild-card spot, but they can’t afford to relax. They have an opportunity to collect some key points next week against teams not currently in a playoff position. Ottawa will play in Buffalo on Tuesday, Detroit on Thursday and Pittsburgh on Sunday. The Senators will also host the Blue Jackets on Saturday.

Dylan Cozens has worked out pretty nicely in Ottawa since being acquired from Buffalo on March 7. He has three goals and six points in seven appearances with the Senators despite seeing his average playing time drop from 17:13 before the trade to 15:23 since joining the Ottawa. Cozens seems to be settling into a second-line center role with Ottawa, which isn’t surprising. He should get most of his minutes alongside Drake Batherson and David Perron for the remainder of the campaign, though Cozens is also getting work on the top power-play unit and has already provided two goals with the man advantage for Ottawa.

Batherson has been a good player to skate alongside recently. He enjoyed a four-game scoring streak from March 11-18 in which he supplied three goals and six points, but that run was snapped Thursday. The 26-year-old is up to 19 goals and 55 points in 68 outings overall, making it very likely that he’ll reach the 20-goal and 60-point marks for the third straight campaign. In fact, he still has a solid chance of besting his career high of 66 points, which he set last year.

Perron also has been solid recently with four goals and seven points in his past 10 appearances. The 36-year-old missed significant chunks of the campaign, so it’s not too surprising that he was limited to a goal and four points in 11 outings from Jan. 11 (when he returned from a 27-game absence due to back problem) through Feb. 26. Now that the veteran has been able to string together a significant number of games for the first time all season, we’re seeing steady production out of him, and there’s a good chance that’ll continue for the rest of the season, barring another exit from the lineup.

Ottawa’s top line, headlined by Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle, will be the main drivers of the Senators’ offense, but don’t underestimate that second unit of Perron, Cozens and Batherson.

Toronto Maple Leafs (Tue vs PHI, Thu @ SJS, Sat @ NYR, Sun @ LAK)

Toronto has won its past three games, putting behind a rough stretch in which the Maple Leafs won just one of six contests. The Maple Leafs are competing with Florida for the Atlantic Division title. Toronto will look for an edge in that battle next week, beginning with a home game against the Flyers on Tuesday. Toronto will then go on the road, playing in San Jose on Thursday, Los Angeles on Saturday and Anaheim on Sunday.

Even after a run of four goals from March 15-19, Auston Matthews is still on course for career lows with his goal total of 27 and his shooting percentage of 12.4. He’s been limited to 54 games this campaign, and it seems probable he’s playing through something even now, but even Matthews at less than 100 percent is still a high-end option. It helps that he’s pivoted to setting up his teammates a little more to make up for the reduced goal scoring -- he has 34 assists, so in terms of points per 60 minutes, his 3.3 this year is a touch low by his standards, but still well within the range of what’d you’d expect from him.

There’s a good chance he’ll come back strong next season with another 40-plus campaign, and he might even hit 60 for the third time in his career in 2025-26. However, the 27-year-old has run into more injuries problems than one would like over the first half of his career, which makes projecting him somewhat difficult.

Mitch Marner has been the steadier hand in Toronto in terms of season-by-season production. This will be his fourth straight campaign with over 20 goals and 80 points. One thing he’s never managed is reaching the 100-point mark, though he came close in 2021-22 (97) and 2022-23 (99). He might be able to just barely hit it this season after supplying 21 goals and 83 points through 68 appearances.

Marner needs to get hot again to hit the century mark, but right now, he’s not the hottest member of the Leafs. Neither is Matthews, for that matter. That distinction belongs to William Nylander, who has five goals and 15 points in his last 11 appearances. That brings him up to 38 markers and 73 points in 69 outings overall.

Nylander also reached the 600-point career milestone Thursday when he assisted on a goal by John Tavares. That was career point 1,098 for Tavares, and the 34-year-old center went on to collect two more points, making it a milestone night for him as well. Tavares has 29 goals and 60 points in 62 appearances in 2024-25, bringing him up to 213 goals and 479 points in 502 games. If you had told someone immediately after Tavares signed a seven-year, $77 million contract with Toronto that he would decline over the final couple of years, they would have likely believed you. However, while Tavares did show his age somewhat in 2023-24, he’s continuing to produce at a high level even in the final campaign of that deal. It’ll be very interesting to see what kind of contract he commands over the summer, because he still seems to have good hockey left in him.

Toronto’s offense revolves around that core, and unfortunately no one outside of it steps up for more than brief periods. Matthew Knies is Toronto’s next best producer with 25 goals and 45 points, but he’s going through a mediocre stretch in which he’s supplied a goal and four points over his past eight games. Max Domi and Bobby McMann have been similarly meh lately, each contributing two goals and four points over the same eight-game span. All three are worth monitoring as pickup options during hot streaks, but they can’t be counted on to put up strong numbers over a longer period.

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – DETROIT RED WINGS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #3

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Josh Bell — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:00:11 +0000

_{CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 03: Detroit Red Wings center Nate Danielson (29) controls the puck during warm-ups before a game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks on October 3, 2023 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 3rd (Previous Rank - 1st)
GM: Steve Yzerman Hired: April 2019
COACH: Derek Lalonde Hired: June 2022

The Detroit Red Wings find themselves at a critical juncture in their rebuild under GM Steve Yzerman. Over the past five years, the team has been meticulously collecting top-end talent, with hopes of positioning themselves to become a future playoff contender. Since Yzerman's hiring in 2019, the Red Wings have amassed 21 picks in the first two rounds of the draft, including four top 10 selections. Out of those first round picks, Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider have already cemented themselves as vital pieces of the team’s current core. Both Simon Edvinsson (ranked 18th) and Marco Kasper (44th) sit on the cusp of making an impact, while Sebastian Cossa (60th), Axel Sandin-Pellikka (41st), Nate Danielson (43rd), and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (70th) continue to develop and perform strongly in their respective leagues.

The Red Wings’ affiliates are stacked with young talent, eagerly awaiting their NHL opportunities. Prospects such as William Wallinder (148th), Amadeus Lombardi (274th), Cross Hanas, Shai Buium (176th), Carter Mazur (120th), Elmer Söderblom and Albert Johansson are all part of the team's impressive pool of U23 players that will likely compete for NHL roster spots over the next couple of seasons.

One of the most promising areas of Detroit’s system is goaltending. Sebastian Cossa recently completed his first season in the AHL, posting a solid 22-9-9 record. Meanwhile, Trey Augustine (113th) has emerged as one of the top collegiate goaltenders, winning both a Big Ten Championship with Michigan State University and a Gold Medal with Team USA at the World Juniors. Cossa will likely need at least another year of development, while Augustine is on a similar path to reach the NHL in the next two-to-three years.

The Red Wings’ prospect pool strikes a perfect balance between quality and quantity, with numerous players nearly guaranteed to see NHL action and several others with the potential to develop into future contributors. It may not be long before Detroit makes a serious push for postseason contention, bringing their rebuild to fruition.

Detroit Red Wings Top-15 Prospects

1. Simon Edvinsson

While he had a brief stint with the Red Wings (2 points in 16 games), Simon Edvinsson spent most of 2023-24 honing his skills in the AHL with Grand Rapids. The disappointment of not sticking with the big club initially was evident, but Edvinsson responded like a pro. He dominated the AHL, leading Griffins defencemen in goals (8) and points (30). His offensive potential, a hallmark of his scouting report, shone brightly. However, the biggest takeaway might be his improved defensive awareness. While questions lingered about his consistency on that end, Edvinsson showed a stronger commitment to his own zone. His 2023-24 season was a masterclass in development. Edvinsson didn't force the issue in the NHL and thrived in the AHL. The Red Wings have a potential top-pairing defenceman in the making, and his recent campaign suggests he's closer than ever.

2. Axel Sandin Pellikka

Red Wings first-rounder Axel Sandin-Pellikka spent another year developing in Sweden's SHL with Skellefteå AIK. The 6-foot-11, 176 pound defenceman didn't light up the scoresheet (18 points in 39 games), but he did take a big step forward from his previous season total (five points). Red Wings brass preached patience, prioritizing defensive responsibility and overall awareness. While reports suggest Sandin-Pellikka improved defensively, offensive production remains a work in progress. His skating and puck-handling skills are undeniable, but translating those into consistent offensive contributions is the next hurdle. Another year in the SHL seems likely, allowing him to refine his game against familiar competition. However, a strong showing at the upcoming World Juniors could alter those plans. Regardless, Sandin-Pellikka remains a work in progress with a high ceiling – the key will be the Red Wings unlocking his offensive potential.

3. Nate Danielson

Drafted ninth overall by Detroit in 2023, Nate Danielson's season started strong. He tore up the WHL (Western Hockey League) with the Brandon Wheat Kings, amassing a point-per-game pace through 26 games. His two-way play, size (6-foot-2), and scoring touch impressed. A mid-season trade to the Portland Winterhawks added a new wrinkle. While the production dipped (eight points in his first 12 games), he adjusted well, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to learn. He is a fantastic skater with long, crisp strides who can cover a ton of ice in a hurry without requiring a lot of energy. Questions remain about his offensive consistency translating to the pro game. However, his strong showing, particularly early on, solidified his status as a top prospect in the Red Wings' system. Detroit will be watching closely to see if Danielson can replicate his early-season dominance in training camp next year.

4. Marco Kasper

After a single NHL game with the Red Wings in 2022-23, Marco Kasper spent his entire 2023-24 season with their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. The 19-year-old Austrian center wasn't a point-per-game machine (35 points in 71 games), but his underlying numbers suggest strong offensive potential. His blend of size, strength, and surprising skating ability makes him a force along the walls and a threat in transition. He already plays like a pro, highlighted by his calm demeanour and patience under pressure. He has a strong two-way presence already, playing hard in both ends of the ice even when the puck isn’t on his stick. He showed flashes of NHL-caliber playmaking, but consistency remains a question mark. While some nights he dominated possession, others saw him disappear. The Red Wings have a high ceiling in mind here. Another year in the AHL could iron out his inconsistencies, but a late-season NHL call-up wouldn't be a surprise. Kasper's development will be a storyline to watch for Detroit fans.

5. Sebastian Cossa

Sebastian Cossa, the Red Wings' prized goalie prospect (15th overall in 2021), took a step forward in his development this past season. After splitting time between the ECHL and AHL in his first year as a pro, he spent the entirety of 2023-24 with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Early struggles marked the first half, with his numbers hovering around average. However, whispers of a more focused and consistent Cossa emerged after the All-Star break. His 0.913 save percentage over the entire season suggests a goalie finding his groove. While not a lights-out performance, the improvement is a positive sign for the Red Wings. His size (6-foot-6) and athleticism remain his calling cards. The question remains: can he translate that raw talent into consistent NHL-caliber goaltending? Another year in the AHL seems likely, but a late season call up to test the waters wouldn't be a surprise. Like Kasper, Cossa's development is a storyline to watch.

6. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård stoods out as a top prospect from Norway heading into the draft, despite not being in the top 10. After a challenging start to his season with Mora IK and a modest showing at the U20 WJC, he excelled in 2024, setting a record for points by a Norwegian in the HockeyAllsvenskan playoffs and finishing strong at the World Championship. MBN is defined by hard work and physicality. His relentless energy, strong off-puck positioning, and speed make him effective in quick counterattacks and creating scoring chances. He’s a powerful player who initiates contact effectively and drives hard to the net. While his offensive upside is a question mark, his quick shot and effective wrister are strong assets. His puck handling and creativity in tight spaces need improvement, but he’s likely to be a valuable, modern power forward in the NHL, providing energy and physicality with refined two-way instincts. Coaches and fans will appreciate his diligent and impactful play.

7. Trey Augustine

Fresh off a gold medal at the World Juniors, Trey Augustine's freshman year at Michigan State was a star turn. Drafted 41st overall by Detroit in 2023, he quickly established himself as the Spartans' go-to netminder. He racked up impressive stats: a 0.915 save percentage and 23 wins, and his athleticism and calmness under pressure were on full display. Augustine plays a very technically sound game. He challenges well, taking away as much of the net from shooters as he can. He’s extremely strong positionally, moving quickly and accurately to where he needs to be. However, questions remain about his size (listed at 6-foot-1). While he compensates with positioning and reflexes, some wonder if it will translate to the NHL level. Regardless, Augustine silenced doubters in 2023-24. He's firmly on the NHL path and his development will be closely watched.

8. Carter Mazur

After a brief stint with the Red Wings at the tail end of the 2022-23 season, Carter Mazur spent the entirety of 2023-24 honing his skills with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. His season wasn't without its bumps – a mid-season injury slowed him down. However, he finished strong, with 37 points in 60 games. While not a gaudy total, it represents a step forward for the 22-year-old. A blend of physicality and offensive creativity remains his calling card. He's not afraid to mix it up in the corners, a trait that endears him to coaches, but his ability to create scoring chances for himself and his linemates is what truly excites. The knock on him is consistency. There are stretches where his high motor translates into impactful plays but lapses still occur. Refining his decision-making will be crucial as he pushes for an NHL call-up. Still, the progress in the AHL suggests he's on the right track. A strong showing this year could put him on the cusp of a permanent promotion.

9. Dmitri Buchelnikov

Dmitri Buchelnikov is proof that the Red Wings will always bet on skill and upside. The Russian winger may stand at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, but the offensive game he possesses makes him seem that he stands at least three feet taller. He made the jump to the KHL last season and didn’t look out of place. He uses his impressive edges and quick hands to gain position and then boasts a surprising toolbox of shots. He’s fearless in his game. The big questions are around his size and how he’ll translate to the NHL, but so far against men, he’s put those concerns to bed. He’s signed with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg through 2024-25, so he’ll also have at least one more year to develop in Russia before he makes the jump to North America. Red Wings fans will be anxiously awaiting his North American debut.

10. William Wallinder

The Red Wings' second-round pick from 2020, took a big step towards the NHL in 2023-24. He spent the bulk of the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. While his offensive production wasn't overwhelming (15 points in 65 games), Wallinder impressed with his defensive awareness and smooth skating. His ability to shut down opposing rushes and transition the puck efficiently was a highlight. However, the Red Wings will need him to show more offensive creativity going forward. While he possesses a heavy shot, consistency in utilizing it is a work in progress. Overall, Wallinder's first season in North America was a success. He solidified his defensive game and adjusted to the smaller ice surface. The next step will be translating his flashes of offensive brilliance into a more consistent scoring threat. If he can do that, he could be a key piece of the Red Wings' future blue line.

11. Shai Buium

Shai Buium’s 2023-24 season was both a triumph and a breakthrough. After aiding the Denver Pioneers to their second NCAA title in three years, he signed with the Red Wings and impressed in the AHL with a career-high seven goals and 29 assists in 43 games. His strong skating and improved decision-making highlight his offensive growth. While starting the 2024-25 season in Grand Rapids is likely, his development into a well-rounded defenceman bodes well for the Red Wings’ future.

12. Amadeus Lombardi

Amadeus Lombardi is a dynamic forward with impressive offensive skills and creativity. His quick skating and sharp playmaking ability allow him to create scoring opportunities effectively. Lombardi’s vision and agility make him a constant threat in the offensive zone. While he could work on his defensive game, his offensive upside and potential as a top-line contributor are evident.

13. Albert Johansson

Albert Johansson is a smooth-skating defenceman with excellent puck-moving skills and a sharp hockey sense. His ability to transition play quickly and make precise passes stands out. While he needs to enhance his physical play and defensive zone coverage, Johansson’s offensive instincts and skating ability position him as a promising NHL prospect with significant upside.

14. Elmer Soderblom

Elmer Söderblom is a towering forward with impressive size and strength, using his physicality to dominate in the offensive zone. His powerful shot and ability to shield the puck make him a consistent scoring threat. While his skating needs refinement, Söderblom’s offensive instincts and presence in front of the net suggest significant NHL potential as a top six power forward.

15. Jesse Kiiskinen

Jesse Kiiskinen is a skilled forward with strong offensive instincts and creativity. His vision and puck-handling ability enable him to generate scoring opportunities and make plays in tight spaces. While his defensive game and consistency need refinement, Kiiskinen’s offensive potential and playmaking skills make him a promising prospect with the potential for NHL impact.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #1 Detroit Red Wings – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Josh Bell — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 14:55:49 +0000

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 03: Detroit Red Wings center Nate Danielson (29) controls the puck during warm-ups before a game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks on October 3, 2023 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire)

The Yzerplan now enters its sixth year, but this time doesn’t have a high pick to show for it. Instead, they made a push for the playoffs - just falling short. Steve Yzerman took over in April 2019 and has overseen five drafts to date. He has had five top-ten picks in that time, delivering Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider who are fixtures (and stars) in the line-up and Simon Edvinsson, who looks close to being a full-time NHLer. He also added Marco Kasper in 2022 at eighth overall and Nate Danielson in 2023 at ninth overall. Both have signed their entry-level contract and have the intelligence and two-way game that should translate to a spot in the line-up before too long. They are joined by the fifth-ranked goaltending prospect Sebastien Cossa, a massive goaltender who shows tremendous potential. The system is not only strong at the top, but it is deep with 11 prospects in McKeen’s top 200.
This is a team that is about to turn the corner to become a competitive, playoff threat. The core of Dylan Larkin, Raymond, Seider, and Alex DeBrincat look poised to help turn this around. They will be helped by some of the young up-and-comers such as Edvinsson, Kasper, Danielson, and Cossa, as well as 2023 first-rounder Axel Sandin Pellikka, Carter Mazur, William Wallinder, Shai Buium, and Dmitri Buchelnikov. While Yzerman has spent the majority of his time in Detroit stockpiling draft picks and prospects, it looks like it’s now time for him to look to move some of these pieces to add and move up the standings. What might be the biggest story of the summer though will be re-signing Raymond and Seider - both RFAs. It looks like it might be an expensive summer for Yzerman and the Wings.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Simon Edvinsson	D	21	6-6/215	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`21(6th)	54	8	22	30	51
					Detroit (NHL)	`21(6th)	16	1	1	2	4
2	Nate Danielson	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	`23(9th)	54	24	43	67	42
3	Marco Kasper	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`22(8th)	71	14	21	35	30
4	Axel Sandin Pellikka	D	19	5-11/180	Skelleftea (SHL)	`23(17th)	39	10	8	18	17
5	Sebastian Cossa	G	21	6-6/229	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`21(15th)	40	22	9	2.41	0.913
6	Trey Augustine	G	19	6-1/185	Michigan State (B1G)	`23(41st)	35	23	9	2.96	0.915
7	Carter Mazur	LW	22	6-0/170	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`21(70th)	60	17	20	37	48
8	William Wallinder	D	21	6-4/190	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`20(32nd)	65	3	12	15	10
9	Shai Buium	D	21	6-3/210	Denver (NCHC)	`21(36th)	43	7	29	36	14
10	Jonatan Berggren	LW	23	5-11/195	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`18(33rd)	53	24	32	56	58
					Detroit (NHL)	`18(33rd)	12	2	4	6	2
11	Dmitri Buchelnikov	LW	20	5-10/165	Admiral Vladivostok (KHL)	`22(52nd)	55	13	16	29	8
12	Andrew Gibson	D	19	6-3/195	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	`23(42nd)	68	12	32	44	58
13	Amadeus Lombardi	C	20	5-10/165	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`22(113th)	70	5	21	26	14
14	Elmer Soderblom	RW	22	6-8/245	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`19(159th)	61	13	16	29	8
15	Albert Johansson	D	23	6-0/170	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`19(60th)	66	6	15	21	46

1. Simon Edvinsson, D, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

While he had a brief stint with the Red Wings (2 points in 16 games), Simon Edvinsson spent most of 2023-24 honing his skills in the AHL with Grand Rapids. The disappointment of not sticking with the big club initially was evident, but Edvinsson responded like a pro. He dominated the AHL, leading Griffins defensemen in goals (8) and points (30). His offensive potential, a hallmark of his scouting report, shone brightly. However, the biggest takeaway might be his improved defensive awareness. While questions lingered about his consistency on that end, Edvinsson showed a stronger commitment to his own zone. This season was a masterclass in development. Edvinsson didn't force the issue in the NHL and thrived in the AHL. The Red Wings have a potential top-pairing defenseman in the making, and his 2023-24 campaign suggests he's closer than ever.

2. Nate Danielson, C, Portland Winterhawks (AHL)

Drafted ninth overall by Detroit in 2023, Nate Danielson's season started strong. He tore up the WHL (Western Hockey League) with the Brandon Wheat Kings, amassing a point-per-game pace through 26 games. His two-way play, size (6’ 2”), and scoring touch impressed. A mid-season trade to the Portland Winterhawks added a new wrinkle. While the production dipped (8 points in his first 12 games), he adjusted well, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to learn. He is a fantastic skater with long, crisp strides who can cover a ton of ice in a hurry without requiring a lot of energy. Questions remain about his offensive consistency translating to the pro game. However, his strong showing, particularly early on, solidified his status as a top prospect in the Red Wings' system. Detroit will be watching closely to see if Danielson can replicate his early-season dominance in training camp next year.

3. Marco Kasper, C, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

After a single NHL game with the Red Wings in 2022-23, Marco Kasper spent his entire 2023-24 season with their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. The 19-year-old Austrian center wasn't a point-per-game machine (35 points in 71 games), but his underlying numbers suggest strong offensive potential. His blend of size, strength, and surprising skating ability makes him a force along the walls and a threat in transition. He already plays like a pro, highlighted by his calm demeanor and patience under pressure. He has a strong two-way presence already, playing hard in both ends of the ice even when the puck isn’t on his stick. He showed flashes of NHL-caliber playmaking, but consistency remains a question mark. While some nights he dominated possession, others saw him disappear. The Red Wings have a high ceiling in mind here. Another year in the AHL could iron out his inconsistencies, but a late-season NHL call-up wouldn't be a surprise. Kasper's development will be a storyline to watch for Detroit fans.

4. Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skelleftea AIK (SHL)

Red Wings first-rounder Axel Sandin-Pellikka spent another year developing in Sweden's SHL with Skellefteå AIK. The 6’ 11”, 176-pound defenseman didn't light up the scoresheet (18 points in 39 games), but he did take a big step forward from his previous season total (five points). Red Wings brass preached patience, prioritizing defensive responsibility and overall awareness. While reports suggest Sandin-Pellikka improved defensively, offensive production remains a work in progress. His skating and puck-handling skills are undeniable, but translating those into consistent offensive contributions is the next hurdle. Another year in the SHL seems likely, allowing him to refine his game against familiar competition. However, a strong showing at the upcoming World Juniors could alter those plans. Regardless, Sandin-Pellikka remains a work in progress with a high ceiling – the key will be unlocking his offensive potential.

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

Sebastian Cossa, the Red Wings' prized goalie prospect (15th overall in 2021), took a step forward in his development this season. After splitting time between the ECHL and AHL in his first-year pro, he spent the entirety of 2023-24 with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Early struggles marked the first half, with his numbers hovering around average. However, whispers of a more focused and consistent Cossa emerged after the All-Star break. His .913 save percentage over the entire season suggests a goalie finding his groove. While not a lights-out performance, the improvement is a positive sign for the Red Wings. His size (6’, 6”) and athleticism remain his calling cards. The question remains: can he translate that raw talent into consistent NHL-caliber goaltending? Another year in the AHL seems likely, but a late-season call-up to test the waters wouldn't be a surprise. Like Kasper, Cossa's development is a storyline to watch.

6. Trey Augustine, G, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Fresh off a gold medal at the World Juniors, Trey Augustine's freshman year at Michigan State was a star turn. Drafted 41st overall by Detroit in 2023, he quickly established himself as the Spartans' go-to netminder. He racked up impressive stats: a .915 save percentage and 23 wins, and. His athleticism and calmness under pressure were on full display. Augustine plays a very technically-sound game. He challenges well, taking away as much of the net from shooters as he can. He’s extremely strong positionally, moving quickly and accurately to where he needs to be. However, questions remain about his size (listed at 6’ 1”). While he compensates with positioning and reflexes, some wonder if it will translate to the NHL level. Regardless, Augustine silenced doubters in 2023-24. He's firmly on the NHL path and his development will be closely watched.

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

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

9. Shai Buium, D, University of Denver (NCAA)

Shai Buium's 2023-24 season was a victory lap and a coming-out party rolled into one. After helping the Denver Pioneers capture their second NCAA title in three years, he signed with the Detroit Red Wings and joined their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, on an amateur tryout. While his college career saw him primarily deployed in a defensive role, he surprised with his offensive output in the AHL. He notched a career-high seven goals and 29 assists in just 43 games, showcasing a newfound offensive dimension. His strong skating and improved decision-making made him a force on both ends of the ice. Buium's impressive AHL stint solidified his status as a legitimate NHL prospect. While he'll likely start the 2024-25 season in Grand Rapids, a call-up isn't out of the question. His development into a well-rounded, two-way defenseman is a major positive sign for the Red Wings' future.

10. Dmitri Buchelnikov, LW, Admiral Vladivostok (KHL)

Dmitri Buchelnikov is proof that the Red Wings will always bet on skill and upside. The Russian winger may stand at 5’ 10”, 170 lbs, but the offensive game he possesses makes him stand at least three feet taller. He made the jump to the KHL this season and didn’t look out of place. He uses his impressive edges and quick hands to gain position and then boasts a surprising toolbox of shots. He’s fearless in his game. The big questions are around his size and how he’ll translate to the NHL, but so far against men, he’s put those concerns to bed. He’s signed with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg through 2024-25, so he’ll also have at least one more year to develop in Russia before he makes the jump to North America.

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 30 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:22:26 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first, this ranking, follows the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Our team of 16 scouts are based in key markets around the world, in the rinks, supported by video scouting. They utilize some terrific tools from Hudl/InStat, which can isolate so many aspects of a player’s game, along with proprietary statistics. They spend countless hours in rinks and in front of screens and are deeply familiar with these players and their progression. Our management team of Brock Otten (Director of Scouting) and Derek Neumeier (Assistant Director of Scouting/Senior Western Regional Scout), along with Video Scouting Coordinator, Josh Bell, will take the teams input and finalize the list you see below. Brock, Derek and Josh are responsible for the player write-ups in the Prospect Guide.

The organizational rankings are based on an algorithm that takes into account how many prospects are ranked within the top 200. The teams are broken down by the number of prospects in our top 1 -25, 26 - 50, 51 - 100, and 101 - 200. A weight is attached to each group and then some subjective tweaking is done based on our knowledge of the players. There can be a wider discrepancy in the top 25 group than the latter groupings that needs to be taken into account.

Here is our definition of an NHL prospect: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in one season (25 for goalies).

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft. We are releasing out top 30 NHL Prospects free to non-subscribers. If you want to learn more, link here.

Subscribers can link to the full top 200 listing here

Here is an excerpt of Brock Otten's Risers and Fallers article from the magazine to give you more perspective and a little taste of our content.

The best part of scouting is the somewhat unpredictable nature of human development. Some players improve dramatically from one year to the next…others do not. When we compare the rankings from our 2023-24 NHL Yearbook (where we did a Top 300 prospect ranking) to now, these are the players who have risen/fallen the most.

Risers

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 22: Dallas Stars center Logan Stankoven (11) reacts to a goal score during game one of the Western Conference First Round between the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights on April 22, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire)

Logan Stankoven (27 to 5) - Dallas Stars

Stankoven’s jump from one of the best players in the WHL to one of the best players in the AHL has been impressive. So has his quick start in the NHL.

Ryan Leonard (32 to 6) – Washington Capitals

Leonard is returning to Boston College after a Championship barely eluded him this year. However, he has proven to be an elite play driver to go with his strong off puck play.

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 11: Look on Montreal Canadiens right wing Joshua Roy (89) during warm-up before the St. Louis Blues versus the Montreal Canadiens game on February 11, 2024, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

Josh Roy (63 to 35) – Montreal Canadiens

Roy continues to prove doubters wrong after a terrific AHL season with Laval. His skill set has become so well rounded since being drafted.

Conor Geekie (68 to 18) – Utah

Geekie’s power game from the middle of the ice makes him such an interesting prospect for today’s NHL. His skating continues to improve.

Mavrik Bourque (79 to 23) – Dallas Stars

Bourque emerged as one of the best players in the AHL this season as a sophomore professional. He’s ready to take that next step with the Stars.

Gabe Perreault (86 to 19) – New York Rangers

Once thought to be the third wheel on the talented Will Smith/Ryan Leonard threesome, Perreault’s progression as a play driver at Boston College this season has altered the perception that he can be a front-line NHL player.

Bradly Nadeau (109 to 34) – Carolina Hurricanes

Drafting early out of the BCHL has yielded inconsistent results, however Nadeau was exceptional as a freshman at Maine. Did he leave school too early though?

Jagger Firkus (112 to 47) – Seattle Kraken

Firkus took his game to another level this year in his final WHL season, leading the league in scoring. He’s ready to be a pro.

Gavin Brindley (122 to 66) – Columbus Blue Jackets

One of the most improved players in the NCAA this year, Brindley emerged as a star for the University of Michigan and really altered his projection as a potential top six forward.

Quentin Musty (125 to 51) – San Jose Sharks

The dynamic American winger worked hard to fine tune components of his game in Sudbury this year and deserves a bump for improving his consistency.

Jani Nyman (135 to 81) – Seattle Kraken

Nyman emerged as one of the top goal scorers in Finland this season as a U20 player. This, combined with his strong WJC performance, has helped push him up our board north.

Logan Mailloux (145 to 45) – Montreal Canadiens

Mailloux proved to be way more refined at the AHL level than previously perceived. Simply put, he was one of the best defensive prospects in the AHL this year.

Josh Doan (153 to 55) - Utah

What a terrific story to the end of the Coyotes franchise. Doan emerged as a potential star this season and finished the year strong in the NHL, scoring in his debut.

Riley Heidt (157 to 44) – Minnesota Wild

We still don’t understand how Heidt fell as far as he did in the 2023 draft, however he is proving NHL scouts wrong thus far after a remarkable year with Prince George.

Ville Koivunen (165 to 71) – Pittsburgh Penguins

The main piece of the Jake Guentzel to Carolina deal, Koivunen emerged as one of the top players in Liiga this year.

Ethan Del Mastro (169 to 73) – Chicago Blackhawks

There was little doubt that Del Mastro’s strong defensive ability would translate to the AHL level well, but he continues to improve offensively and that has altered his projection.

Theo Lindstein (185 to 91) – St. Louis Blues

Lindstein’s strong year for Brynas has helped to elevate his upside as a two-way defender. We may have ranked him too low in our 2023 Draft Rankings.

Carson Rehkopf (201 to 69) – Seattle Kraken

Consistency off the puck and a lack of engagement held Rehkopf back last year. This year marked improvement in those areas helped him emerge as a top offensive talent in the OHL.

Easton Cowan (204 to 67) – Toronto Maple Leafs

One of the surprises of the 2023 draft, Cowan set a new OHL record with a 42-game point streak. More than just a high energy guy now, he can be a difference maker offensively.

Seamus Casey (214 to 63) – New Jersey Devils

Casey continues to improve in the NCAA. He may not have elite size, but he has everything else, and it has the Devils excited about his future.

Jacob Fowler (222 to 52) – Montreal Canadiens

Fowler compiled a list of accolades as a freshman this year at Boston College, emerging as one of the top goaltending prospects in the game.

Fraser Minten (226 to 84) – Toronto Maple Leafs

After starting the year with the Leafs, Minten returned to the WHL and ended up captaining Canada at the World Juniors.

Jackson Blake (277 to 117) – Carolina Hurricanes

A finalist for the Hobey Baker this year, Blake became an NCAA star for North Dakota, and he now turns pro.

Erik Portillo (Unranked to 118) – Los Angeles Kings

Acquired by the Kings, Portillo turned pro after three years at Michigan and he was one of the best goaltenders in the AHL as a first-year pro.

Rodwin Dionicio (Unranked to 139) – Anaheim Ducks

Dionicio still plays a high risk, high reward game from the back end, but his offensive upside has become too large to ignore.

Fallers

EDM - Xavier Bourgault

Xavier Bourgault (from 48 to 113) – Edmonton Oilers

After a mediocre first professional year last season, Bourgault was even more disappointing as a sophomore with Bakersfield. The Oilers just haven’t been developing prospects well in recent years.

Eduard Sale (72 to 140) – Seattle Kraken

Sale’s first year in North America did not go according to plan as he struggled to be a consistent impact player in the OHL.

Jack Rathbone (96 to not ranked) – Pittsburgh Penguins

Perhaps we ranked Rathbone too aggressively this summer, but not only did he fail to earn a spot on Vancouver, but he’s now an NHL after thought after entering Pittsburgh’s organization via trade.

Jacob Perreault (127 to not ranked) – Montreal Canadiens

Perreault’s off puck play and skating just haven’t improved to the point where he can be a consistent pro and it caused the Ducks to move on from him, trading him to Montreal.

Jan Jenik (156 to not ranked) - Utah

Once a highly ranked prospect, Jenik continues to fall. He just hasn’t been able to take that next step and even passed through waivers this year unclaimed.

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17

2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 200 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 25 May 2024 17:02:31 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first is following the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft.

Subscribers can link to the listing here

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17
31	Brad Lambert	Wpg	C	20	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	64	21	34	55	38
32	Ivan Miroshnichenko	Wsh	LW	20	6-1/185	Washington (NHL)	21	2	4	6	6
33	Axel Sandin Pellikka	Det	D	19	5-11/180	Skelleftea (SHL)	39	10	8	18	17
34	Bradly Nadeau	Car	LW	18	5-10/165	Maine (HE)	37	19	27	46	12
35	Joshua Roy	Mtl	RW	20	6-0/190	Montreal (NHL)	23	4	5	9	0
36	Denton Mateychuk	CBJ	D	19	5-11/190	Moose Jaw (WHL)	52	17	58	75	31
37	Brayden Yager	Pit	C	19	5-11/165	Moose Jaw (WHL)	57	35	60	95	20
38	Calum Ritchie	Col	C	19	6-2/185	Oshawa (OHL)	50	28	52	80	20
39	Joakim Kemell	Nsh	RW	20	5-10/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	67	16	25	41	23
40	Colby Barlow	Wpg	LW	19	6-0/195	Owen Sound (OHL)	50	40	18	58	27
41	Jimmy Snuggerud	StL	RW	19	6-1/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	21	13	34	42
42	Matthew Coronato	Cgy	RW	21	5-10/183	Calgary (NHL)	34	3	6	9	4
43	Frank Nazar	Chi	C	20	5-10/180	Michigan (B1G)	41	17	24	41	18
44	Riley Heidt	Min	C	19	5-10/180	Prince George (WHL)	66	37	80	117	42
45	Logan Mailloux	Mtl	D	21	6-3/215	Laval (AHL)	72	14	33	47	91
46	Sebastian Cossa	Det	G	21	6-6/229	Grand Rapids (AHL)	40	22	9	2.41	0.913
47	Jagger Firkus	Sea	RW	20	5-10/155	Moose Jaw (WHL)	63	61	65	126	30
48	Mikhail Gulyayev	Col	D	19	5-11/170	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	64	4	8	12	8
49	Scott Morrow	Car	D	21	6-2/195	Massachusetts (HE)	37	6	24	30	25
50	Matthew Wood	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/195	Connecticut (HE)	35	16	12	28	43
51	Quentin Musty	SJ	LW	18	6-2/200	Sudbury (OHL)	53	43	59	102	72
52	Jacob Fowler	Mtl	G	19	6-1/215	Boston College (HE)	39	32	6	2.14	0.926
53	Fabian Lysell	Bos	RW	21	5-11/181	Providence (AHL)	56	15	35	50	37
54	Shakir Mukhamadullin	SJ	D	22	6-3/180	San Jose (AHL)	55	7	27	34	24
55	Josh Doan	Ari	RW	22	6-1/183	Arizona (NHL)	11	5	4	9	0
56	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	22	5-9/180	San Jose (NHL)	27	6	5	11	18
57	Lian Bichsel	Dal	D	19	6-6/233	Rogle (SHL)	29	2	2	4	28
58	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	24	5-10/180	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	42	11	24	35	30
59	Aatu Raty	Van	C	21	6-2/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	72	18	34	52	18
60	Oliver Moore	Chi	C	19	5-11/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	9	24	33	8
61	Samuel Honzek	Cgy	LW	19	6-4/186	Vancouver (WHL)	33	10	21	31	18
62	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	23	5-9/170	Calgary (NHL)	13	1	2	3	2
63	Seamus Casey	NJ	D	20	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	7	38	45	14
64	Tristan Luneau	Ana	D	20	6-1/195	Anaheim (NHL)	7	1	2	3	4
65	Chaz Lucius	Wpg	C	20	6-1/185	Manitoba (AHL)	17	2	11	13	6
66	Gavin Brindley	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	25	28	53	28
67	Easton Cowan	Tor	RW	18	5-10/170	London (OHL)	54	34	62	96	64
68	Zachary L'Heureux	Nsh	LW	20	5-11/195	Milwaukee (AHL)	66	19	29	48	197
69	Carson Rehkopf	Sea	LW	19	6-1/195	Kitchener (OHL)	60	52	43	95	45
70	Filip Bystedt	SJ	C	20	6-4/205	Linkopings (SHL)	47	8	9	17	2
71	Ville Koivunen	Pit	LW	20	6-0/175	Karpat (Fin-Liiga)	59	22	34	56	26
72	Noah Ostlund	Buf	C	20	5-11/163	Vaxjo Lakers (SHL)	38	12	11	23	4
73	Ethan Del Mastro	Chi	D	21	6-4/210	Rockford (AHL)	69	7	30	37	54
74	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	22	5-10/180	Henderson (AHL)	58	4	16	20	33
75	Liam Ohgren	Min	LW	20	6-1/200	Farjestads (SHL)	26	12	7	19	12
76	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	21	5-11/175	Minnesota (NHL)	16	1	3	4	6
77	Mackie Samoskevich	Fla	RW	21	5-11/190	Charlotte (AHL)	62	22	32	54	24
78	Stanislav Svozil	CBJ	D	21	6-1/180	Cleveland (AHL)	57	5	18	23	24
79	Zachary Bolduc	StL	LW	21	6-1/175	St. Louis (NHL)	25	5	4	9	6
80	Rutger McGroarty	Wpg	LW	20	6-1/200	Michigan (B1G)	36	16	36	52	6
81	Jani Nyman	Sea	RW	19	6-3/215	Ilves (Fin-Liiga)	48	26	17	43	2
82	Andrew Cristall	Wsh	LW	19	5-9/165	Kelowna (WHL)	62	40	71	111	46
83	Oliver Bonk	Phi	D	19	6-2/175	London (OHL)	60	24	43	67	32
84	Fraser Minten	Tor	C	19	6-1/185	Kam-Sas (WHL)	43	22	26	48	25
85	Tanner Molendyk	Nsh	D	19	5-11/185	Saskatoon (WHL)	50	10	46	56	18
86	David Goyette	Sea	C	20	5-10/175	Sudbury (OHL)	68	40	77	117	29
87	David Edstrom	SJ	C	19	6-3/185	Frolunda (SHL)	44	7	12	19	8
88	Anton Wahlberg	Buf	C	18	6-3/194	Malmo (SHL)	43	5	5	10	4
89	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	22	5-9/185	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	61	5	27	32	66
90	Trey Augustine	Det	G	19	6-1/185	Michigan State (B1G)	35	23	9	2.96	0.915
91	Theo Lindstein	StL	D	19	6-0/180	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	49	4	11	15	4
92	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	23	6-7/195	Belleville (AHL)	32	18	9	2.45	0.916
93	Isak Rosen	Buf	RW	21	6-0/175	Rochester (AHL)	67	20	30	50	12
94	Maveric Lamoureux	Ari	D	20	6-7/214	Drummondville (QMJHL)	39	9	24	33	53
95	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	21	6-2/180	Rockford (AHL)	38	18	16	2.65	0.906
96	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	23	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	41	10	17	27	24
97	Carter Mazur	Det	LW	22	6-0/170	Grand Rapids (AHL)	60	17	20	37	48
98	Otto Stenberg	StL	C	18	5-11/180	Frolunda (SHL)	31	3	3	6	8
99	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	LW	23	6-3/205	Milwaukee (AHL)	56	27	27	54	60
100	Nikita Chibrikov	Wpg	RW	21	5-10/170	Manitoba (AHL)	70	17	30	47	53
101	Zach Dean	StL	C	21	6-0/175	Springfield (AHL)	49	9	5	14	24
102	William Dufour	NYI	RW	22	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	55	15	10	25	35
103	Sam Rinzel	Chi	D	19	6-4/180	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	26	28	20
104	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	22	6-2/185	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	45	25	12	2.16	0.921
105	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	23	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	50	19	19	38	8
106	Corson Ceulemans	CBJ	D	20	6-2/200	Cleveland (AHL)	47	3	9	12	12
107	Michael Hrabal	Ari	G	19	6-6/209	Massachusetts (HE)	30	16	12	2.59	0.912
108	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	22	5-11/180	Vegas (NHL)	15	2	6	8	2
109	Owen Pickering	Pit	D	20	6-4/180	Swift Current (WHL)	59	7	39	46	35
110	Owen Beck	Mtl	C	20	5-11/185	Pbo-Sag (OHL)	57	34	47	81	18
111	William Wallinder	Det	D	21	6-4/190	Grand Rapids (AHL)	65	3	12	15	10
112	Xavier Bourgault	Edm	C	21	6-0/170	Bakersfield (AHL)	55	8	12	20	24
113	Jordan Dumais	CBJ	RW	20	5-8/165	Halifax (QMJHL)	21	16	31	47	6
114	Aleksi Heimosalmi	Car	D	20	5-11/170	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	47	2	14	16	12
115	Brandon Bussi	Bos	G	25	6-4/218	Providence (AHL)	41	23	10	2.67	0.913
116	Jackson Blake	Car	RW	20	5-10/160	North Dakota (NCHC)	40	22	38	60	26
117	Erik Portillo	LA	G	23	6-6/210	Ontario (AHL)	39	24	11	2.50	0.918
118	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	22	5-8/175	Laval (AHL)	47	9	19	28	10
119	Kasper Halttunen	SJ	RW	18	6-3/205	London (OHL)	57	32	29	61	61
120	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	22	5-11/165	Toronto (AHL)	68	8	31	39	43
121	Ethan Gauthier	TB	RW	19	5-11/175	Drummondville (QMJHL)	64	36	35	71	42
122	Daniil Miromanov	Cgy	D	26	6-4/200	VGK-Cgy (NHL)	24	3	4	7	8
123	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	23	5-8/155	Bridgeport (AHL)	69	18	32	50	30
124	Shai Buium	Det	D	21	6-3/210	Denver (NCHC)	43	7	29	36	14
125	Jakub Dobes	Mtl	G	22	6-3/200	Laval (AHL)	51	24	18	2.93	0.906
126	Oliver Kapanen	Mtl	C	20	6-0/170	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	51	14	20	34	32
127	Danny Nelson	NYI	C	18	6-3/200	Notre Dame (B1G)	30	9	14	23	32
128	Lenni Hameenaho	NJ	RW	19	6-0/175	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	46	14	17	31	10
129	Nick Lardis	Chi	LW	18	5-11/165	Brantford (OHL)	37	29	21	50	12
130	Ty Nelson	Sea	D	20	5-10/195	North Bay (OHL)	54	16	36	52	50
131	Isaac Howard	TB	LW	20	5-10/185	Michigan State (B1G)	36	8	28	36	10
132	Fyodor Svechkov	Nsh	C	21	6-0/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	57	16	23	39	18
133	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	21	6-1/196	Calgary (AHL)	23	3	10	13	22
134	Reid Schaefer	Nsh	LW	20	6-3/215	Milwaukee (AHL)	63	7	14	21	39
135	Zack Ostapchuk	Ott	C	20	6-3/205	Belleville (AHL)	69	17	11	28	47
136	Nathan Gaucher	Ana	C	20	6-3/207	San Diego (AHL)	72	10	15	25	68
137	Rodwin Dionicio	Ana	D	20	6-2/207	Wsr-Sag (OHL)	60	25	48	73	108
138	Eduard Sale	Sea	LW	19	6-1/170	Bar-Kit (OHL)	49	15	23	38	8
139	Danil Gushchin	SJ	RW	22	5-8/165	San Jose (AHL)	56	20	34	54	24
140	Sean Behrens	Col	D	21	5-10/175	Denver (NCHC)	44	4	27	31	53
141	Christian Kyrou	Dal	D	20	5-10/170	Texas (AHL)	57	8	15	23	22
142	Niklas Kokko	Sea	G	20	6-3/185	Pelicans (Fin-Liiga)	13	9	0	1.49	0.926
143	Vasily Ponomarev	Pit	C	22	5-10/180	Tuc-Chi-WBS (AHL)	45	9	21	30	16
144	Ryan Winterton	Sea	RW	20	6-2/190	Coachella Valley (AHL)	58	22	13	35	23
145	Dmitri Buchelnikov	Det	LW	20	5-10/165	Admiral Vladivostok (KHL)	55	13	16	29	8
146	Oscar Fisker Molgaard	Sea	C	19	6-0/165	HV 71 (SHL)	50	9	12	21	6
147	Aku Raty	Ari	RW	22	6-1/190	Tucson (AHL)	55	15	29	44	22
148	Matyas Sapovaliv	VGK	C	20	6-3/180	Saginaw (OHL)	54	19	43	62	22
149	Georgii Merkulov	Bos	C	23	5-11/175	Providence (AHL)	67	30	35	65	20
150	Topias Vilen	NJ	D	21	6-1/195	Utica (AHL)	54	2	27	29	16
151	Ryan Chesley	Wsh	D	20	6-0/200	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	6	8	19
152	Jayden Perron	Car	RW	19	5-9/165	North Dakota (NCHC)	39	11	7	18	8
153	Tristen Robins	SJ	C	22	5-10/175	San Jose (AHL)	42	7	11	18	12
154	Calle Odelius	NYI	D	19	6-0/190	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	10	0	4	4	2
155	Vincent Iorio	Wsh	D	21	6-2/190	Hershey (AHL)	60	4	10	14	30
156	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	23	6-4/215	Bakersfield (AHL)	66	28	22	50	64
157	Ronnie Attard	Phi	D	25	6-3/210	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	48	10	17	27	37
158	Niko Huuhtanen	TB	RW	20	6-2/205	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	52	19	27	46	46
159	Carson Bjarnason	Phi	G	18	6-3/185	Brandon (WHL)	46	24	17	3.01	0.907
160	Lukas Dragicevic	Sea	D	19	6-1/190	Tri-City (WHL)	66	14	36	50	52
161	Leevi Merilainen	Ott	G	21	6-2/160	Belleville (AHL)	24	10	9	2.87	0.906
162	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	22	6-4/200	Belleville (AHL)	53	5	16	21	51
163	Hunter Brzustewicz	Cgy	D	19	5-11/185	Kitchener (OHL)	67	13	79	92	24
164	Ryan Greene	Chi	C	20	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	40	12	24	36	6
165	Damian Clara	Ana	G	19	6-6/214	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	34	25	8	2.23	0.913
166	Carson Lambos	Min	D	21	6-1/200	Iowa (AHL)	69	4	10	14	64
167	Denver Barkey	Phi	C	19	5-8/160	London (OHL)	64	35	67	102	28
168	Gage Goncalves	TB	C	23	6-1/170	Syracuse (AHL)	69	13	45	58	43
169	Arshdeep Bains	Van	LW	23	6-0/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	59	16	39	55	28
170	Bogdan Konyushkov	Mtl	D	21	5-11/175	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	65	6	22	28	18
171	Alexei Kolosov	Phi	G	22	6-1/185	Dinamo Minsk (KHL)	47	22	21	2.39	0.907
172	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	24	6-0/195	Ontario (AHL)	50	43	19	62	26
173	Filip Mesar	Mtl	C	20	5-9/175	Kitchener (OHL)	45	19	33	52	12
174	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	23	6-3/200	Hartford (AHL)	68	4	17	21	49
175	Adam Engstrom	Mtl	D	20	6-2/185	Rogle (SHL)	51	4	18	22	4
176	Michael Buchinger	StL	D	20	5-11/185	Guelph (OHL)	52	10	37	47	37
177	Semyon Chistyakov	Nsh	D	22	5-11/180	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	59	4	20	24	16
178	John Farinacci	Bos	C	23	5-11/197	Providence (AHL)	71	12	26	38	16
179	Angus Crookshank	Ott	LW	24	5-10/180	Belleville (AHL)	50	24	22	46	60
180	Yegor Sidorov	Ana	RW	19	6-0/180	Saskatoon (WHL)	66	50	38	88	66
181	Samu Tuomaala	Phi	RW	21	5-10/175	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	69	15	28	43	12
182	Logan Morrison	Sea	C	21	6-0/180	Coachella Valley (AHL)	64	16	25	41	4
183	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	21	5-11/175	Colorado (AHL)	26	4	10	14	18
184	Adam Gajan	Chi	G	19	6-3/167	Green Bay (USHL)	43	23	12	3.35	0.893
185	Nolan Allan	Chi	D	21	6-2/195	Rockford (AHL)	60	5	12	17	47
186	Oskar Olausson	Col	RW	21	6-1/180	Colorado (AHL)	39	11	9	20	24
187	Samuel Poulin	Pit	C	23	6-1/205	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	41	16	15	31	35
188	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	21	5-9/165	Hartford (AHL)	71	25	23	48	62
189	Colton Dach	Chi	C	21	6-4/205	Rockford (AHL)	48	11	15	26	39
190	Jack Thompson	SJ	D	22	6-0/180	Syr-SJ (AHL)	62	6	35	41	16
191	Riley Kidney	Mtl	C	21	5-11/170	Laval (AHL)	65	7	13	20	41
192	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	21	6-3/195	Belleville (AHL)	22	9	11	20	22
193	Carey Terrance	Ana	C	18	6-1/175	Erie (OHL)	56	29	23	52	25
194	Luca Del Bel Belluz	CBJ	C	20	6-1/185	Cleveland (AHL)	58	9	22	31	12
195	Luca Pinelli	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Ottawa (OHL)	68	48	34	82	44
196	Francesco Pinelli	LA	C	21	6-1/185	Ontario (AHL)	67	13	7	20	24
197	Elias Salomonsson	Wpg	D	19	6-1/185	Skelleftea (SHL)	31	2	9	11	58
198	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	21	6-2/205	Western Michigan (NCHC)	38	24	19	43	23
199	Sasha Pastujov	Ana	RW	20	6-0/185	San Diego (AHL)	46	10	13	23	14
200	Andrew Gibson	Det	D	19	6-3/195	Saul St. Marie (OHL)	68	12	32	44	58

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – DETROIT RED WINGS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #3

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 17:46:58 +0000

Nate Danielson. Photo by Erica Perreaux.

Top 20 Detroit Red Wing Prospects

1. Simon Edvinsson

One of the most promising prospects in the league, the Detroit Red Wings bet big on Edvinsson in the 2021 NHL Draft, calling his name sixth overall. He had a solid draft year bouncing between the SHL, HockeyAllsvenskan, and J20 Nationell but popped in his DY+1 season, fully spent in the SHL, where he was named the top junior player in the league. He then signed his entry-level deal and was playing in the AHL last season as a bright spot on a struggling team. He has the ideal size at 6- 6”, 215 pounds, he has excellent hands, is a very strong skater, with high-end vision, and his confidence seemed to be improving with every game. He has a big reach and greatly improved his defensive game last season. He’s the type of player that will be leading an NHL team from the back end and with his NHL debut already under his belt, he’s not far off.

2. Marco Kasper - C

The Red Wings were back picking in the top 10 in the 2022 NHL Draft, where they plucked Kasper eighth overall. The Austrian centreman spent the past three seasons playing in Sweden, seeing increasing time at the SHL level with Rogle BK. He already plays like a pro, highlighted by his calm demeanour and patience under pressure. He has a strong two-way presence already, playing hard at both ends of the ice even when the puck isn’t on his stick. Kaspar is an intelligent player who plays a highly competitive game, mixed in with some creativity and impressive skill. He looks like a safe bet to be a top six forward at the NHL level, likely slotting in as the second-line centre if not the eventual first liner. There’s so much to like about his game, with very little weakness. He’s already signed to an ELC, and has played in his first NHL game, so don’t expect him to take much longer.

3. Nate Danielson - C

Danielson is able to impact almost every facet of a game, routinely leaving his fingerprints all over his shifts. He is a fantastic skater with long, crisp strides who can cover a ton of ice in a hurry without requiring a lot of energy. It almost looks like he's not even exerting himself at times as he flies past opponents and down the ice, or catches them on the backcheck. The amount of offense he can generate off the rush is absurd, easily getting around defenders to open up passing lanes or winning races to the backdoor to get there first for easy tap-ins. He's constantly sending passes to the net-front or skating there himself looking for chances. Danielson is not necessarily bad when he has to slow things down and play in tight spaces, but he's generally less proficient that way. Overall, his game is a little predictable at the moment. While he might never be someone who scores more than 70 points in a season, it's easy to foresee him nevertheless becoming a top six center who can play on both special teams and match up well defensively against opponents’ top lines.

4. Axel Sandin Pellikka - D

In the minds of some in the business, the Detroit Red Wings picked the draft’s most talented defenseman 17th overall this summer, from their favorite scouting grounds in Sweden. In Sandin-Pellikka, you not only have one of the ‘23 draft’s shiftiest, headiest, and most creative defenseman, but also a player who was found across the globe throughout last season. From the Hlinka Gretzky Cup until the gold medal game at the U18 Worlds (11 points and a +8 in 7 games), Sandin-Pellikka suited up for a whopping 114 games between his SHL club, its junior program, and Sweden's U18 & U20 national teams. Together with the U18, U20, and pro action conducted for his Skelleftea club, his activity also included Champions Hockey League and the 5 Nations Tournament competition. At all levels, we were constantly exposed to what was basically a full portfolio of Sandin-Pellikka’s wares, witnessing his creativity, on-ice intelligence, athleticism, and three-zone headiness. We would be remiss not to point out that he didn’t just play in a lot of games, but received heavy minutes in the biggest ones, including 24:17 minutes of play for Sweden in the WJC semifinal and another 27:27 in the gold medal game. Possessing all the attributes of a classic blueline quarterback, Sandin-Pellikka will continue his march to the NHL this season in a boosted role with both title-hungry Skelleftea and Sweden’s WJC entry.

5. William Wallinder - D

If one towering, Swedish defender in the system wasn’t enough - how about two? At 6- 4”, 190 pounds, Wallinder is a confident, mobile defender that excels in transition. Selected 32nd overall in 2020 out of the J20 SuperElit, he spent the next season in the HockeyAllsvenskan with MoDo Hockey before moving to Rogle, spending the following two seasons in the SHL, taking noticeable steps forward in his game along the way. Some early concerns in his game were his processing and his defensive play, both of which have looked much better lately. He was rewarded for that by signing his entry-level deal with the Red Wings, heading overseas to start his North American career. He’s an all-situations rearguard who, while still a bit raw, has all of the tools to be a strong, top-four NHL defender - and doesn’t seem that far off.

6. Sebastian Cossa - G

Cossa has the potential to be something special. A massive goaltending prospect at 6-6”, he dominated the WHL for three seasons - ultimately winning the league championship in 2021-22 and being named a First Team All-Star. The goaltender made the jump to the pros last season, spending most of his campaign in the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye. It wasn’t a perfect season, but he improved as the season rolled on, ultimately being named as a replacement player in the ECHL All-Star Game. He’s athletic, strong, his reflexes are excellent, and his movement is surprisingly agile for a netminder of his size. He can get himself in trouble by getting lost in heavy traffic and his five-hole is a regular concern, but the upside is real. He’s still very young and has time to work on the gaps in his game. He has the potential to become a clear-cut No. 1 in the NHL.

7. Carter Mazur - LW

The ascension of Mazur has been very real since the Red Wings nabbed him 70th overall back in the 2021 NHL Draft. Plucked out of the USHL as the captain of the Tri-City Storm, the winger was good, but not a top prospect by any means. Now with two years at the University of Denver under his belt, the prospect has already signed his NHL entry-level deal and has made the jump to the AHL. Mazur’s work ethic has been on display throughout his NCAA career and is a big part of the move to the professional game. He’s highly competitive and can be thrown into any role in the lineup and succeed. He has a strong body, great instincts, and knows how to find the twine. He could very easily carve out a middle-six role for himself in the not-too-distant future.

8. Trey Augustine – G

A 2023 second round selection of the Detroit Red Wings, the extremely battle-tested Augustine joins an ever-growing cupboard of solid goaltending prospects in Detroit’s system. Having gained considerable experience in the 2021-22season thanks to time split with the USNTDP’s U17 and U18squads, Augustine eventually found himself pitching a 3-1record for the US in earning silver at the 2022 U18 Worlds. He entered this season primed for plenty of ice time, ultimately collecting an impressive 29-1-2 with the U18 NTDP with a .926 save percentage. A strong bronze medal showing at the WJC paved his path to an outstanding gold medal performance at the 2023 U18 Worlds, putting up a perfect6-0 record accompanied by almost unheard of numbers, namely a 1.61 GAA and .934 save percentage. Of somewhat average size for a modern goaltender, Augustine shines with technically well-schooled movements complemented by extremely strong positional play, solid agility, and a strong reading of the game. He’ll attend Michigan State University this fall, tagging up on a multi-year journey of development with his former USNTDP coach Adam Nightingale.

9. Dmitri Buchelnikov - LW

Buchelnikov is proof that the Red Wings will always bet on skill and upside. The Russian winger may only stand at 5- 9”, 150 pounds, but the offensive game he possesses makes him stand three feet taller. He tore up the MHL in his draft year, collecting 75 points in 56 games. Last season, he took a step forward, spending most of his time in the VHL, continuing with his offensive success against men. He uses his impressive edges and quick hands to gain position, and then boasts a surprising toolbox of shots. He has a fearlessness in his game. The big questions remaining are around his size and how he’ll translate to the NHL, but so far against men, he has put those concerns to bed. Buchelnikov is signed with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg through 2024-25, so he’ll also have a couple more years to develop in Russia before he makes the jump to North America.https://www.mckeenshockey.com/players/shai-buium/

10. Shai Buium - D

Spending the past two seasons with Mazur at the University of Denver, Buium has cemented himself as a strong two-way presence on the backend. He was drafted 36th overall in 2021 from the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, his only season with the team before heading to college where he won a national title as a rookie. While he can contribute offensively, he leans more to the defensive side of things, playing a very well-rounded game in his own zone. The defender is an intelligent player, and it shows in his reading and anticipation of the play. He rarely makes a mistake with the puck. Buium has some physicality in his game and has a strong first pass. His skating still needs some fine-tuning to help take him to that next level, at which point he could slide into a bottom-four defensive pairing

11. Amadeus Lombardi - LW

A breakout season in the OHL with Flint has many in the Detroit system and fanbase optimistic about Lombardi’s chances of developing into a quality middle six forward. He is a terrific playmaker and could move surprisingly fast through the system if he adapts to the pro level quickly.

12. Elmer Soderblom - RW

The massive winger had a very promising first year in North America, splitting time between Detroit and AHL Grand Rapids. While his offensive ceiling might be limited, there is some hope that he can be a Tomas Holmstrom type.

13. Albert Johansson - D

A strong skating defender who is a former second round selection of the Wings. While his performance as an AHL rookie last year was not poor, Detroit will be looking for him to step up his game as a sophomore, improving his confidence at both ends.

14. Andrew Gibson - D

Gibson is a real heart and soul kind of defender. He competes physically. He blocks shots. He is a future leader. He might just have some untapped offensive upside that he can tap into over the next two years in the OHL.

15. Noah Dower Nilsson - LW

After drafting his older brother Liam last year, the Wings took Noah in the 2023 draft. Noah is the better athlete and has the higher offensive ceiling thanks to his playmaking chops and creativity. He will look to become an SHL regular this year.

16. Antti Tuomisto - D

Tuomisto left the University of Denver early to play pro in Finland with TPS and that decision appears to have been a good one for his development. The big defender probably doesn’t have significant offensive upside, but his length and mobility give him intriguing defensive upside as he starts his pro journey in North America this year.

17. Cross Hanas - LW

Hanas missed a good chunk of his rookie AHL season with an upper body injury, but he played well upon returning. He is one of the most naturally gifted offensive players in Detroit’s system. His hands and creativity are terrific.

18. Dylan James - LW

A second-round pick in 2022, James is a competitive slot presence who should develop into an excellent complementary offensive piece. His freshman year at UND wasn’t terrific, but he should be better as a sophomore.

19. Theodor Niederbach - C

The Wings are still waiting for Niederbach to take that next step as an offensive force in Sweden. After a tough year in the Rogle system last year, he has switched to MoDo this year, where he can hopefully get his development back on track.

20. Redmond Savage - C

The former captain of the U.S. U18 team, Savage has been great internationally for the U.S. at the last two World Juniors but has had less luck with NCAA Miami (Ohio). That’s why he entered the transfer portal and is headed to Michigan State for 2023-24.

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – DETROIT RED WINGS – Team Preview – Player Profiles

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 12:00:30 +0000

OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 28: Detroit Red Wings Center Dylan Larkin (71) applies pressure on the forecheck during first period National Hockey League action between the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators on February 28, 2023, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)

Review: The Red Wings missed the playoffs for six consecutive campaigns prior to 2022-23 and the latest season was more of the same. There was a chance that Ville Husso, acquired from St. Louis in the summer of 2022, would help, but he ended up posting a 26-22-7 record, 3.11 GAA and .896 save percentage in 56 starts. What makes that worse is Detroit ranked 10th in five-on-five expected goals against (164.53), so the defense was doing its part. Not that a stellar performance from Husso would have necessarily saved the season, given how thin the Red Wings’ forward core was. Dylan Larkin was by far Detroit’s top scorer with 32 goals and 79 points, but he was the only player to reach the 25-goal mark and, along with David Perron, one of just two with at least 50 points. Detroit finished with a 35-37-10 record, tying its current playoff drought with the longest in franchise history.

What’s Changed? Detroit’s top-six forward core looks a lot stronger after acquiring Alex DeBrincat from Ottawa and signing J.T. Compher. Detroit also inked James Reimer, who is coming off a rough campaign with San Jose, but has traditionally been an above average backup goaltender. The addition of defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Jeff Petry further boosts a defense that was underrated in 2022-23.

What would success look like? The Atlantic Division is going to be a tough one, but there is a path here for Detroit to make the playoffs, albeit likely in a Wild Card spot. DeBrincat and Compher should give Larkin the help he sorely missed last year. It won’t be enough to make Detroit’s offense good, but it might at least be enough to make it less of a liability. Husso is still a big X-Factor, but the addition of Reimer might take some of the pressure off him and, when combined with the Red Wings’ great blueliner group, it might be sufficient.

What could go wrong? Detroit’s making a big bet on Compher, but other than his 52-point showing in 2022-23, he’s never even reached 35 points, so he might be a swing and a miss for the Red Wings. Petry is another potentially nice get, but he’ll turn 36 in December and missed 21 games last season, so he might disappoint too. Then there’s the goaltending, which might be what sinks this squad. Detroit is counting on not just Husso bouncing back, but Reimer too. Given how stiff the competition will be for a playoff spot, if any of those potential problems on their own might be enough to deny the Red Wings a postseason berth.

Top Breakout Candidate: The one player we didn’t address who could end up making a huge impact for Detroit is Lucas Raymond. He showed a lot of promise in his rookie campaign, scoring 23 goals and 57 points in 82 contests, but then regressed in 2022-23, settling for 17 goals and 45 points in 74 games. Taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2020, the stage is set for the 21-year-old to step up and take his place alongside Larkin and DeBrincat as one of the Red Wings’ offensive leaders.

Forwards

Dylan Larkin - C

The Red Wings captain solidified his legacy in Detroit when he signed an eight-year, $69.6 million extension in March and the captain will look to bring them out of the darkness and back into the postseason. Larkin led the Red Wings in goals (32) and points (79) and that he did that shouldn’t come as any surprise. He’s their best player and it’s why they had to get him signed to an extension. Yes, things have been grim in Motor City since they last made the playoffs in 2016, but the 27-year-old center has been the consistent reason for hope for the future. It was the third time he’s scored 30-or-more goals in his Red Wings career as well as the third time he scored at nearly a point per game pace (he also did in 2018-19 and 2021-2022). Now that he’s locked up for eight more years and GM Steve Yzerman has been beyond aggressive in trying to get back to the playoffs the past two off-seasons, the pressure is very much on Larkin’s shoulders to help put them over the top to get back there. Larkin was a rookie on the last Red Wings playoff team so he knows what it’s like to be there and he’s surrounded by veterans who have done so with other teams, but a repeat performance of last season would go a long way to helping make that dream a reality.

Alex DeBrincat - LW

The Red Wings’ biggest acquisition outside of the NHL Draft the past few seasons came in the form of two-time 40-goal scorer Alex DeBrincat. That they swung a trade with division rival Ottawa to land him and by all appearances look to have won that trade is a substantial coup on their part. Last season with the Senators, DeBrincat had 27 goals and 66 points, good for fourth on the team. For as questionable of a statistic plus-minus is, DeBrincat’s minus-31 rating was second lowest on the Senators, but defense isn’t exactly why Detroit brought him on board. He’s a goal scorer through and through having potted 187 goals in six seasons (450 games) with Chicago and Ottawa. That he’s coming off a down season with Ottawa may have kept his trade price down, although the Red Wings signed him to a four-year, $31.5 million extension after the trade. DeBrincat’s addition ideally gives the Red Wings a much-needed offensive injection as they scored the ninth fewest goals in the NHL last season. A return to 40-goal form would give Detroit a much more potent attack, something they’ll need to keep up with the rest of the contenders within the Atlantic Division. Teaming him up with Dylan Larkin should provide the spark needed to do just that.

David Perron - RW

When it comes to players who understand their role and excel at it, David Perron is right up there as one of the best. Perron plays a hard, competitive brand of hockey and does well around the net in tight spaces to generate scoring opportunities. He’s also very good at matching up physically and sticking up for himself and his teammates. Most of all, he’s the picture of consistency. At 34 years old, Perron was second on the Red Wings in goals with 24 and scoring with 56 points. While it may not have been ideal for Detroit to have Perron be No. 2 for them in those categories, the fact that he was and did quite well at his age says a lot about how good he’s been for them. For seven straight seasons, Perron has had 46-or-more points and he’s scored 20-or-more goals in four of them. Perron was brought to Detroit for his veteran wiles and the edge he can provide come playoff time…which hasn’t happened yet, but for now he’s providing their bevy of younger players a daily example of what it takes to have success in the NHL.

Lucas Raymond - RW

Raymond has been an outstanding scorer since he landed in the NHL in 2021-2022 after being the fourth overall pick in 2020. In two seasons he’s put up 40 goals and 102 points in 156 games, but his output last season was down from his rookie campaign. He had 12 fewer points in eight fewer games played last year, which is slightly concerning as his slightly down possession stats at 5-on-5. What’s also concerning is that Raymond’s numbers struggled with Dylan Larkin, but Larkin saw far better success away from Raymond. That was also the case during Raymond’s rookie season, however, those two played almost exclusively together at 5-on-5 then, that wasn’t the case last season. Raymond finished tied for third on the Red Wings in scoring last season with Dominik Kubalik. With Kubalik off to Ottawa in the Alex DeBrincat trade, there’s a good possibility Raymond winds up on a line with Larkin and DeBrincat which should improve all three players’ statistics together. At 21 years old, it’s too early to be fretting about Raymond’s numbers especially given that Detroit continues to add better talent around him. But he will need to improve overall for Detroit to have a shot at making the postseason, particularly since the teams they’ll be battling against all have made moves to also either get into or stay in the playoffs.

J.T. Compher - C

Although the Detroit-Colorado rivalry is long since dormant, it’s still fascinating to see players go from one team to the other and J.T. Compher joining the Red Wings after seven seasons with the Avalanche certainly qualifies. Compher, who played college hockey at the University of Michigan, heads back to his adopted home state after scoring 88 goals and 194 points in 423 career games in Denver. It was Compher’s two-way game that piqued the Red Wings’ interest in him and his versatility to play both center and the wing gives him a utility knife quality for their lineup. Ideally, Compher slides in as the center on the second line behind Dylan Larkin and ahead of Andrew Copp. Throughout his career, Compher has had decent 5-on-5 possession numbers as well as strong expected goal percentages. Having those kinds of advanced numbers made him a valuable player for teams in search of strong depth who can play well defensively and contribute enough on offense. That kind of description fits Compher well although it should be noted he’s coming off a career-year with 51 points. He’s regularly been a 20–30-point scorer before that. At 28 years old, this is who Compher is as his development days are long over, but the Red Wings will hope he hasn’t seen the end of his higher-scoring years just yet particularly after signing him to a five-year, $25.5 million deal.

Andrew Copp - C

Detroit signing J.T. Compher came at a curious time particularly since they’d just signed Andrew Copp a year ago to do essentially the same kind of thing in the same position to virtually the exact same contract (5 years, $28.125 million). Copp’s first year back home in Michigan saw him pick up where he left off the previous year with Winnipeg and the New York Rangers. His nine goals and 42 points were solid, and his 42-point output the second best of his career. Although his goal output dipped slightly, it’s his two-way game that makes him a fixture in the lineup and that suffered a bit last season. Copp’s advanced numbers dropped, including possession and expected goals at 5-on-5. For him and the Red Wings to have success that cannot be the norm and might be a reason why a similar style player in Compher was added to help shoulder the burden a bit in the middle of the lineup. A stronger overall team performance would have an effect there as well, but it’s up to Copp to do his part too. He played most of his 5-on-5 minutes with Lucas Raymond and David Perron which at first blush doesn’t seem like an ideal mix. With the additions of Compher and Alex DeBrincat, coach Derek Lalonde will have interesting choices to make to get a better mix with his forwards.

Michael Rasmussen - RW

Injuries are never kind and they’re almost always cruel and such was the case for Michael Rasmussen last season. A shot to the kneecap sidelined him for the season in late February and it came while he was in the middle of a breakout season of sorts. In 56 games, the 6’6” 210-pound forward put up 10 goals and a career high 29 points. On top of the improved point production, Rasmussen saw improved possession and shot quality and prevention advanced numbers as well. At 23 years old, it was the kind of improvement everyone in Detroit was excited to see occurring. After all, with a player his size improving in those ways makes him more valuable to them overall. Being big is one thing, but being big and able to help produce offense more efficiently is something else entirely. It’s why the Red Wings hope that a full return to health will lead to him picking up where he left off. If he can do that with the host of new players they’ve added this offseason, Detroit’s hope is they’ll have someone capable of getting heavily into the physical mix come playoff time when the goals are a little harder to score and having a player that can screen goalies and push opponents around comes in much handier.

Jonatan Berggren - LW

Berggren’s arrival to the Detroit lineup last season showed why they took him in the second round in the 2018 Draft. He scored 15 goals and had 28 points in 67 games during his rookie season last year. The Swedish winger seized a role in the lineup with his offensive skill and even carved a spot on the power play scoring five times on the man advantage with nine points total. What’s most impressive about Berggren’s output is he was able to do it down in the Red Wings lineup. He wasn’t playing top-six minutes with their better scorers, he played most of his 5-on-5 minutes with forwards like Joe Veleno and Austin Czarnik before he was elevated to join Andrew Copp and David Perron. Now at 23 years old and having shown he can produce at the NHL level, he’ll be counted on to provide consistent scoring in the middle-six forward group from the wing and could find a home alongside free agent addition J.T. Compher. Berggren has versatility, however, and can slide in at center when needed. It’s that kind of flexibility that further makes him valuable in the Red Wings lineup and will help him earn more ice time.

Klim Kostin - LW

During the Stanley Cup Playoffs, no one player was able to make their mark and increase their value the way Klim Kostin did with the Edmonton Oilers. Kostin used his size and physical style of play to muck things up along the boards and in the middle of the ice to open the offense for his teammates and himself. Kostin had a breakout regular season with 10 goals and 21 points in the regular season and followed that up with three goals and two assists in 12 playoff games with the Oilers. Kostin is a classic grind line kind of player who uses his checking and size (6’3” 215) to disrupt opponents. In 57 games last season he had 157 hits and that’s the kind of rate that will get you noticed no matter what. After three years with St. Louis, they traded him to Edmonton where the Oilers gave him a chance and he ran with it. It’s that brand of go-getter that attracted Detroit to acquire him in a trade and days later sign him to a two-year contract. It’s another signing that shows how the Red Wings want to be able to line up should they get to the postseason. They want to have skill and goal scoring at the top of the lineup with a mix of size, strength, and grit in their lower lines. Adding an eager player like Kostin to the mix makes a lot of sense to that end, but with the high amount of skill within the division it remains to be seen if being overly physical will provide some kind of edge or cause other problems to pop up.

Defense

Moritz Seider - D

Being the best defenseman on a below-average team can be a bit of a slog, even if you’re 21 years old and brilliant like Moritz Seider. The young German phenom and 2022 Calder Trophy winner didn’t necessarily have a sophomore slump but instead got the chance to deal with the rest of the league after they’ve had a chance to study him… and he was still very good. Seider’s point production fell from 50 points in his rookie season to 42 last year. He was the Red Wings minutes leader and averaged just more than 23 minutes of ice time per game. It’s a massive workload for a player so new to the league, but he’s the best the Red Wings have on the blue line, particularly after they traded Filip Hronek to Vancouver at the trade deadline. Everything Seider does and can do more is superb. It would be easy to get wound up about his advanced stats last season, but most every Detroit player’s advanced numbers suffered in general last season. Ideally you want to see his possession and expected goal numbers improve year to year, but the Red Wings haven’t been very good. His numbers are better than most everyone else’s on the team which indicates how well he can play, but compared to others around the league they don’t stand out. If Detroit improves, it will certainly show in Seider’s numbers across the board. But the key is that Detroit does improve, or else arguments will persist as to how good Seider is or isn’t.

Jake Walman - D

There may have been no bigger surprise in Detroit than the play of Jake Walman on defense. The Red Wings acquired Walman from St. Louis in a trade in March 2022 that involved Nick Leddy and Oskar Sundqvist among others. While Walman wasn’t the player of note then, how he performed for Detroit last season changed that discussion substantially. Walman paired with Moritz Seider and the two became virtually inseparable because of how well they worked together. Their 5-on-5 possession numbers were a level 50 percent, and they had an expected goal percentage above that mark. For a team that bled goals and didn’t score a lot of them, that’s outstanding and Walman excelled. He set career highs in goals (nine) and points (18) all while averaging the most ice time of his career at 19:43 per game. It’d be easy enough to say that playing with Seider likely did a lot to help him out, but Walman did a lot to help settle Seider’s game down as well. An upper-body injury hampered his season and held him to 63 games. It also prevented him from playing in World Championships during the summer. Still, Walman’s play was strong enough to earn a three-year extension from the Red Wings worth $10.2 million. Going from fighting to get into the Blues lineup to being on the top pairing in Detroit is a heck of a turn around and a great find for the Red Wings.

Shayne Gostisbehere - D

Something that was missing from the Detroit blue line in the wake of the Filip Hronek trade was a tried-and-true puck mover. Free agency helped them fix that need with ease when they signed free agent Shayne Gostisbehere. The “Ghost Bear” split last season with Arizona and Carolina and had 13 goals and 41 points. Piling up points has never been an issue for the 30-year-old Floridian. In nine seasons he has 311 points in 538 games including 87 goals. He’s been a steady possession player and he played extremely well for Carolina in an abbreviated stay there after the trade deadline. What he does best is move the puck up the ice and create offense and even with the loaded mix of defensemen in Detroit, Gostisbehere will be able to take that role and run with it in a big way. It should also allow him to see power play time as well and perhaps give Moritz Seider a bit of a break, so he doesn’t always have to be the guy doing the heavy lifting in that aspect. Gostisbehere will also duel with Jeff Petry for power play time on the first or second unit. Although Petry has years on him, Gostisbehere is a quicker skater and capable of getting into and out of trouble a bit faster. Although he won’t do much on the physical side of the game, that’s not what they need him to do the most. They need him to help bring the puck up the ice and set up the forwards for better scoring opportunities.

Jeff Petry - D

Well, this is awkward. Just a year after Petry requested a trade out of Montreal and was moved to Pittsburgh, the Canadiens reacquired him as part of the three-team deal that sent Erik Karlsson to the Penguins. It was a short stop, however, as he was then moved home (Petry was born in Ann Arbor) to the Detroit Red Wings. Even at his age, Petry is a valuable two-way defenseman who can comfortably serve in a top pairing role. He’s averaged over 22 minutes in each of his last seven campaigns, including last season with Pittsburgh, during which he logged 22:21 of ice time per game (2:20 with the man advantage and 2:22 shorthanded). He knows how to play physically without crossing the line too often, contributing 190 hits and just 24 PIM last season, and he’s perfectly happy to block shots, finishing with over 100 in each of his last two campaigns. The Michigan native isn’t one of the league’s top blueliners offensively, but he’s more than serviceable in that regard, having finished 2022-23 with five goals and 31 points in 61 contests, making it the fifth time in the last six years that the defenseman has enjoyed a points per game pace of over 0.5. The biggest issue is that he’s run into some injury troubles lately, missing 35 contests over the last two seasons and, considering his age, things might only get worse from here. But the Red Wings needed some help offensively on the blue line and going back home might re-invigorate Petry enough to give Detroit a lift.

Goaltender

Ville Husso - G

It really seemed like the Detroit Red Wings had done all the right things with their rebuild – down to their decision to capitalize on a few teams wanting to open up some space in the goaltending department by picking up a pair of young up-and-comers in Alex Nedeljkovic and Ville Husso. Husso, in particular, had just wrapped up a season in which he’d ousted former standout starter Jordan Binnington from his reign as number one for the St. Louis Blues; he appeared to be the perfect piece of the puzzle for the Red Wings as they hoped to take their rebuild and ease it out of the garage for a test run.

Instead, both Husso and Nedeljkovic floundered almost from the start. The pair failed to hit the .900 unadjusted save percentage threshold on the year, with Husso in particular struggling to find his rhythm and own his depth management behind a team that desperately needed to establish some defensive consistency. Now, he’s back to see if he can shake off last year’s struggles – but instead of pairing with another youngster without a ton of NHL experience, Husso will get a veteran voice known for being a locker room superglue in James Reimer. Reimer has struggled with injuries over the last few seasons, so it’s hard to imagine Detroit isn’t looking at him as a stabilizing presence for Husso while the younger Finnish netminder continues to serve as their true number one. After all, his strong skating style and willingness to assert control in the blue paint should be a good recipe for success behind a young roster for Detroit. If things falter again this year, though, the Red Wings might have to consider whether or not Husso was as savvy of a pickup as they’d hoped.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #5 Detroit Red Wings

Josh Bell — Wed, 24 May 2023 13:24:00 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 5^th (11^th last year)

The Yzerplan now enters its fifth year, with yet another high draft pick to show for their efforts following a seventh year out of the playoffs. Steve Yzerman took over in April 2019 and has overseen four drafts to date. He has had four top ten picks in that time, delivering Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider who are fixtures in the line-up and Simon Edvinsson, who made his NHL debut in nine games, and looks not far off from the NHL. He also added Marco Kasper last year at 8^th overall. Kasper has signed his entry-level contract and has the intelligence and two-way game that should translate to a spot in the line-up before too long. They are joined by the sixth ranked goaltending prospect Sebastien Cossa, a massive goaltender who shows tremendous potential. The system is not only strong at the top, but it is deep with 10 prospects in our top 200.

Yzerman enters the 2023 draft with five picks in the first two rounds. He also owns five first-round picks over the next three drafts, moving Tyler Bertuzzi and Filip Hronek to acquire the extras. Entering the season, the team was aggressive in free agency, Adding David Perron and Andrew Copp, and Ben Chiarot among others. When it was clear the results were not what they were hoping for, he was quick to move veteran pieces for picks. If you look at his moves at the 2021 NHL Draft, he moved three picks to move up to #15 to acquire Cossa, and two picks to move up to #36 to acquire Shai Buium. Signing Dylan Larkin to an eight-year extension signaled a desire to see the team begin to win now. The foundation has been laid with some excellent talent, already impacting the roster. He will look to add pieces that can help sooner rather than later.

MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 04: Simon Edvinsson (3) of the Detroit Red Wings passes the puck during the first period of the NHL game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Canadiens on April 4, 2023, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire)

Simon Edvinsson

One of the most promising prospects in the league, the Detroit Red Wings bet big on Simon Edvinsson in the 2021 NHL Draft, calling his name sixth overall. He had a solid draft year bouncing between the SHL, HockeyAllsvenskan, and J20 Nationell but popped in his DY+1 season, fully in the SHL, where he was named the top junior player. He then signed his entry-level deal and has been playing in the AHL as a bright spot on a struggling team. He has the size at 6-foot-6, 215 pounds, he has excellent hands, has very strong skating, high-end vision, and his confidence seemed to be improving every game. He has a big reach and has improved his defensive game this season. He’s the type of player that will be leading an NHL Team from the back end and with his NHL debut already under his belt, he’s not far off.

2. Marco Kasper

The Red Wings were back in the top 10 in the 2022 NHL Draft, where they plucked Marco Kasper eighth overall. The Austrian centreman has spent the past three seasons playing in Sweden, seeing increasing time at the SHL level with Rogle BK. He already plays like a pro, highlighted by his calm demeanour and patience under pressure. He has a strong two-way presence already, playing hard in both ends of the ice even when the puck isn’t on his stick. He’s an intelligent player that plays a highly competitive game, mixed in with some creativity and impressive skill. He looks like a safe bet to be a top-six forward at the NHL, likely slotting in as the second-line centre if not the eventual first. There’s so much to like about his game, with very little weakness. He’s already signed, so keep an eye on him to head overseas in the near future.

3. William Wallinder

If one towering, Swedish defender in the system wasn’t enough - how about two? At 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, William Wallinder is a confident, mobile defender that excels in transition. Selected 32nd overall in 2020 out of the J20 SuperElit, Wallinder spent the next season in the HockeyAllsvenkan with MODO Hockey before moving to Rogle and spending the following two seasons in the SHL, taking noticeable steps forward in his game along the way. Some early concerns in his game were his processing and his defensive play, both of which have looked much better as of late. He was rewarded for that by recently signing his entry-level deal with the Red Wings, heading overseas to start his North American career. He’s an all-situations rearguard who while still a bit raw, has all of the tools to be a strong, top-four NHL defender - and doesn’t seem that far off.

4. Sebastian Cossa

Sebastian Cossa has the potential to be something special. A massive goaltending prospect at 6-foot-6, he dominated the WHL for three seasons - ultimately winning the league championship in 2021-22 and being named a First Team All-Star. The goaltender has made the jump to the pros this season, spending most of his campaign in the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye. It hasn’t been a perfect season, but he’s improved as the season has rolled on, ultimately being named as a replacement player in the ECHL All-Star Game. He’s athletic, strong, his reflexes are excellent, and his movement is surprisingly agile for a netminder of his size. He can get himself in trouble by getting lost in heavy traffic and his five-hole is a regular concern, but the upside is real. He’s still very young and has time to work on the gaps in his game. He has the potential to become a clear-cut No. 1.

5. Carter Mazur

The ascension of Carter Mazur has been very real since the Red Wings nabbed him 70th overall back in the 2021 NHL Draft. Plucked out of the USHL as the captain of the Tri-City Storm, the winger was good, but not a top prospect by any means. Fast forward to now, with two years at the University of Denver under his belt, the prospect has already signed his NHL entry-level deal and has made the jump to the AHL. Mazur’s work ethic has been on display throughout his NCAA career and is a big part of the jump to the AHL. He’s highly competitive and can be thrown into any role in the lineup and succeed. He’s a strong body, has great instincts, and knows how to find the twine. He could very easily carve out a middle-six role for himself in the not-too-distant future.

6. Dmitri Buchelnikov

Dmitri Buchelnikov is proof that the Red Wings will always bet on skill and upside. The Russian winger may stand at 5-foot-9, 150 pounds, but the offensive game he possesses makes him stand three feet taller. He tore up the MHL in his draft year, collecting 75 points in 56 games. This season, he took a step forward and spent most of his time in the VHL, continuing with his offensive success against men. He uses his impressive edges and quick hands to gain position and then boasts a surprising toolbox of shots. He’s fearless in his game. The big questions are around his size and how he’ll translate to the NHL, but so far against men, he’s put those concerns to bed. He’s signed with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg through 2024-25, so he’ll also have a couple more years to develop in Russia before he makes the jump to North America.

7. Amadeus Lombardi

One of the biggest risers of the 2022-23 season has been Amadeus Lombardi. The centreman is in just his sophomore season in the OHL with the Flint Firebirds, and after a respectable rookie year (59 points in 67 games) he’s exploded this season for over 100 points. Lombardi is a very strong skater, who never seems to take his foot off the gas. He’s proven that he’s a dual threat, being able to feed the middle or finish things on his own. The Red Wings selected him 113th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, and just a few months later saw all they needed to see to sign him to his entry-level deal. He’ll take some time before he gets to the NHL but could see time in the AHL sooner rather than later. He’s likely a bottom-six winger at the next level, but one that could play up the lineup when called upon.

8. Elmer Soderblom

While the size of Edvinsson and Wallinder is impressive, Elmer Soderblom isn’t intimidated standing at 6-foot-8, 247-pounds. As a winger with his size, you wouldn’t expect him to be a skilled player, but that’s exactly what he is. Drafted 159th overall in 2019 after his rookie season in the J20 SuperElit, he took a huge step forward in 2019-20, leading the league in goals (29) and the South division in points (38). He continued his upward trend through two years in the SHL before coming over to North America this season where he split his time between the AHL and NHL. His hands are excellent, he excels at driving the middle of the ice, and he already seems comfortable in the NHL. Expect him to graduate from this list very soon and don’t be surprised when he locks down a middle-six role for himself.

9. Shai Buium

Spending the past two seasons with Mazur at the University of Denver, Shai Buium has cemented himself as a strong two-way presence on the backend. He was drafted 36th overall in 2021 from the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, his only season with the team before heading to Denver to win a National Title as a rookie. While he can contribute offensively, he leans more to the defensive side of things, playing a very well-rounded game in his own zone. The defender is an intelligent player, and it shows in his reading and anticipation of the play. You’ll rarely catch him making a mistake with the puck. He has some physicality in his game and has a strong first pass. His skating does need some fine-tuning to help take him to that next level, at which point he could slide in well to a bottom-four defensive unit.

10. Albert Johansson

Along with Soderblom, Albert Johansson was selected in the 2019 NHL Draft out of the J20 SuperElit and has seen excellent progression since then in Sweden before making the jump to North America this season. The defender spent the last three seasons in the SHL with Farjestad BK, taking a notable step forward each year. He’s spent this season with the Grand Rapids Griffins and looks poised to take the next step in the near future. While his ceiling isn’t overly high, he’s carved out a desired role for himself as a defender that can drive play through transition, whether through his strong passing or his fluid, quick skating. As seems to be a trend with Red Wings prospects, he’s a very intelligent player that looks ready to take the next step. He may just slot in as a bottom-pair defender, but he’ll excel in that role.

AHL PROSPECTS: 10 Candidates for Rookie of the Year

Josh Bell — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 17:19:09 +0000

10 Candidates for AHL Rookie of the Year

A new hockey season is underway. This means a new wave of prospects entering the AHL and a new crop vying for the title of Rookie of the Year.

The Red Garrett Memorial Award is given out annually to the league’s top-performing rookie, most recently handed to Buffalo Sabres’ prospect Jack Quinn after an impressive 61 points (26 goals, 35 assists) in just 45 games.

Who will earn the title this season? This list includes a number of first-rounders, dynamic defenders, a couple of elite goaltenders, and an extremely rare inclusion - a first-overall draft pick.

Here are 10 candidates for the 2022-23 AHL Rookie of the Year:

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 26: The artwork on the mask of Nashville Predators goalie Iaroslav Askarov (30) is shown during the second preseason game between the Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers, held on September 26, 2022, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire)

Yaroslav Askarov, G, Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators)

After years of high expectations and even higher anticipation, Yaroslav Askarov has landed in North America. The netminder is one of the top goaltending prospects in the world - if not the top prospect (we’ll get to the other). Through 16 KHL games in his career, he had a 1.48 goals against average (GAA) and a .937 save percentage (SV%). The 11th-overall pick in 2020 will have his work cut out for him though, as he’ll likely have to battle for the starting role with Connor Ingram, depending on how training camp shakes out. If he can grab the reigns, he could be a strong candidate to earn Rookie of the Year honours.

Mavrik Bourque, C, Texas Stars (Dallas Stars)

Mavrik Bourque might be one of the most underrated prospects out there. He’s a candidate to bounce between the AHL and NHL this season, but even still, the Red Garrett Memorial Award could very well bare his name come season’s end. He’s coming off a stellar season as the captain of the Shawinigan Cataractes, collecting 68 points (20 goals, 48 assists) in 31 QMJHL games, adding another 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 16 playoff games, en route to a Q championship and the Guy Lafleur Trophy as the playoff MVP. He’s already had a taste of the AHL, playing in six games with the Stars last season where he scored once and added four assists. It could be a big year for the French Canadian.

Lukas Cormier, D, Henderson Silver Knights (Vegas Golden Knights)

In the 74 years that the top rookie in the AHL has been honoured, there is only one defender to ever earn the title: Ron Ward all the way back in 1969. Lukas Cormier could change that. The New Brunswick native is coming off an 81-point season (33 goals, 48 assists) for the QMJHL’s Charlottetown Islanders in just 62 games, and back-to-back Emile Bouchard Trophies as the league’s top defender. He looked strong in both the Golden’s Knight rookie camp and the preseason action and has cemented his spot as a top defensive prospect outside of the NHL. He should get every chance with the Silver Knights to succeed.

William Dufour, RW, Bridgeport Islanders (New York Islanders)

There isn’t anything else you could ask for from William Dufour’s 2021-22 season. In his final QMJHL season with the Saint Joh Sea Dogs, he had 116 points (56 goals, 60 assists) in 66 games, with his goal total leading the league, and was named league MVP. He led the Sea Dogs to a Memorial Cup title, leading the tournament in points (eight) and being named MVP again. He capped off his season with a World Junior gold medal. It’s safe to say that expectations are high for the young forward, who could even get his first taste of NHL action this season.

Simon Edvinsson, D, Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings)

At the time of writing, Simon Edvinsson remains in the Detroit Red Wings camp. He could very well be on the opening roster as well. Edvinsson has had a strong camp and looks to improve with every game. However, I believe it’s in the best interest of his development to spend his first season in North America with Grand Rapids. Giving him time to adjust in the AHL and build some confidence will be crucial for his long-term progress. The 6-foot-6 defender is coming off a full season in the SHL, where he collected 19 points (two goals, 17 assists) and was named the top rookie one year after fellow Red Wings prospect Moritz Seider won the award. The future defensive corps in Motown is looking exciting.

Jiri Kulich, C, Rochester Americans (Buffalo Sabres)

The first 2022 NHL Draft pick on this list, Jiri Kulich finished his 2021-22 season extremely strong and could very well carry that momentum into his first season in North America. He led all rookies in points (14) in the Czechia, fitting in extremely well playing against professional men. He then captained the Czechia U18 team at the World Under-18s, leading the tournament in goals (nine), and being named MVP of the tournament. He followed that up with a strong performance at the World Juniors. Kulich and the other Europeans on this list have history working against them though, as a non-North American has only ever won the Red Garrett Award four times.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: New York Islanders Center Aatu Raty (61) controls the puck during the second period of the National Hockey League game between the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers on September 28, 2021 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

Aatu Räty, C, Bridgeport Islanders (New York Islanders)

Once regarded as the top prospect in the 2021 NHL Draft, Aatu Räty had a tough draft year and slid. And slid, and slid. All the way down to the New York Islanders with the 52nd selection. He then had a strong bounce-back campaign, putting up 40 points (13 goals, 27 assists) in 41 games with Jukurit in the Liiga. He joined the AHL’s Islanders for the final two games of the season and six playoff games, really settling in in the postseason, collecting four points (one goal, three assists). He then joined the World Juniors squad, after being left off the year before, and helped the team to a silver medal. This season, Räty looks to be a top candidate for call-ups to the NHL, but should still put together a Rookie-of-the-Year-calibre season.

Carter Savoie, RW, Bakersfield Condors (Edmonton Oilers)

In his young career, Carter Savoie has seemed to be an underdog at nearly every step, and always exceeds expectations. From being the CJHL’s top rookie in 2018-19, leading the league in goals (56) the following year, and then being a top player for the University of Denver for the past two seasons, the 100th-overall pick in 2020 knows what it takes to stand out. In the NCAA, he had 65 points (36 goals, 29 assists) in 63 games. He capped off his NCAA career with an NCAA National Title and was named to the All-Tournament Team. He played his first two AHL games last season and I expect him to really find his stride this season.

Juraj Slafkovsky, Laval Rocket (Montreal Canadiens)

This has been a controversial topic this preseason. Will Juraj Slafkovsky start the season in the NHL? There hasn’t been a first-overall draft pick not starting the season in the NHL since Eric Lindros’ holdout in 1991 and Mats Sundin staying in Sweden the year prior. Slafkovsky might not make that list but could see a nine-game stint at the NHL level and then spend the rest of the season in the AHL. He’s had an up-and-down preseason and looks like a year in Laval could be extremely beneficial. If he does end up spending significant time in the AHL, he should absolutely be a top contender for the Red Garrett Award.

Jesper Wallstedt, G, Iowa Wild (Minnesota Wild)

Finally, we come to the second goaltender on this list. A long conversation in the prospect sphere: Askarov or Jesper Wallstedt - who’s the better goaltender? Well, we’re finally going to have them in the same league. But like Askarov, Wallstedt may very well have to share the crease. Hunter Jones should battle Wallstedt for the starting gig, but Wallstedt has experience with this after his last two seasons in the SHL where he also split the crease. He finished his SHL career with 2.10 GAA and .913 SV%, including leading the league in GAA in 2021-22 with 1.98. This past summer, he helped Sweden to a World Junior silver medal, leading the tournament in GAA (1.62), SV% (.940), and was named the best goaltender in the event. He could very well take the starting reigns in Iowa.

Honourable Mentions:

Xavier Bourgault (Bakersfield Condors/Edmonton Oilers), William Cuylle (Hartford Wolf Pack/New York Rangers), Hendrix Lapierre (Hershey Bears/Washington Capitals), Chaz Lucius (Manitoba Moose/Winnipeg Jets)