The Detroit Red Wings have a plethora of prospects without a contract, but there are three who I believe are next in line to receive one.
Given the Detroit Red Wings’ extensive pool of prospects, it’s not surprising that many haven’t yet secured contracts with the team. Typically, prospects selected outside the first round of the draft may not receive contracts for another year or two after being drafted. While most of those under contract are already playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins, there are some who aren’t. I believe a few of these prospects deserve to be signed sooner rather than later.
In the past two seasons, the Red Wings have made several prospect signings at the end of each season. After the 2022-23 season, they signed Carter Mazur, Amadeus Lombardi, William Wallinder, and Nate Danielson. They repeated this process after the 2023-24 season, signing Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Emmitt Finnie, Shai Buium, Carter Gylander, and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård. This seems to signal a push towards accelerating the final stages of the team’s rebuild.
Nonetheless, there are still many prospects in the system who are more than capable of earning an entry-level contract and getting their chance at professional hockey. While it’s understood that not every prospect will or can be signed, some clearly deserve consideration.
Here are three players I believe should be the next to receive a contract.
Trey Augustine has been stellar at MSU
Trey Augustine has won gold at the World Juniors! 🥇 #LGRW pic.twitter.com/h8tp9YCZnx
— Winged Wheel Podcast (@WingedWheelPod) January 5, 2024
Trey Augustine, selected 41st overall in the second round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, immediately emerged as one of the Red Wings’ top goaltending prospects. He quickly became a notable contender to Sebastian Cossa’s position and has consistently demonstrated his potential. Augustine is technically more refined than Cossa was at the time of his draft, often positioning himself effectively.
Last season, Augustine played for Michigan State University, where he recorded an impressive .915 save percentage over 35 games. His performance was even more stellar at the U20 World Junior Championship, where he achieved a .936 save percentage and secured a gold medal. Additionally, he posted a .929 save percentage at the World Championships, serving as the backup goaltender and facing off against NHL players and other top professionals from around the globe.
He’s returning to Michigan State University for this upcoming season, but I have very little doubt that he’s on the top of the list to receive an entry level contract and we could see him in the Winged Wheel or at the very least a contract with the franchise very soon.
Red Savage has a cool name and the numbers to back it up
Red Savage, drafted 114th overall in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, quickly gained attention for his skills. Known for his deceptive hands and effectiveness in transition, he has a knack for targeting high-danger scoring opportunities and possesses a mechanically-sound wrist shot that makes him a significant threat when set up.
Savage is currently committed to Michigan State, where he plays alongside fellow Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine. Last season, he recorded 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points in 38 games, averaging about 0.75 points per game. While his stats might not be the most eye-catching for a prospect, they are still solid.
Although some might question whether his numbers reflect a top-tier prospect, it’s worth noting that the Red Wings lack many players with purely offensive talent. While Savage isn’t known for his defensive prowess and likely wouldn’t be used on the penalty kill, he could be a valuable asset on the second power play unit and a strong contributor as a middle-six winger.
Dmitri Buchelnikov is killing it over in Russia’s KHL
Dmitri Buchelnikov(2nd round’22)
All goals from 23/24 season
VHL SKA Neva: 3 goals
KHL Admiral: 13 goals #LGRW #RedWings pic.twitter.com/vZqDyK53WR— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) July 12, 2024
Dmitri Buchelnikov, selected 52nd overall in the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, has demonstrated exceptional offensive talent. He is known for being a speedy winger who can effectively work with his linemates and showcase flashy, skilled play.
Buchelnikov has been competing in Russia, moving between various professional leagues before finally establishing himself in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), one of the top leagues globally. Last season in the KHL, he tallied 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points in 55 games.
While Buchelnikov might be the most offensively gifted prospect in the Red Wings’ system, there is a significant possibility that he may never come to North America due to the challenges Russian players face when attempting to join the NHL. If he does make the transition, he could become a top-six forward and bring a level of offensive threat the Red Wings have been missing for at least a decade.
