The Detroit Red Wings’ season is heading in the wrong direction. They have two wins in the month of March, and their playoff odds are shrinking on a daily basis. The months of January and February were fun, but this team has come crashing back down to earth, and it may not be long before attention shifts to how high the organization’s pick in the draft pick will be.
Between now and then, it would be wise to keep an eye on some of the Red Wings’ current prospects. Just as the NHL season is in its final month, leagues from all over the world at varying levels are gearing up for playoff/tournament hockey. With the end of those seasons comes the opportunity for reinforcements to join the Red Wings and/or their minor-league affiliates.
Axel Sandin Pellikka to Detroit After Playoffs?
Defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka, ranked as the Red Wings’ top prospect in our midseason prospect rankings, has had another strong season over in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He finished the season tied for second in goals among SHL defensemen, and he has played a key role for Skellefteå AIK throughout the season.
Sandin Pellikka, a gifted offensive-defenseman, was the 17th pick in the 2023 draft. He likes to have the puck on his stick, he moves well, and his shot has a way of finding open lanes to the crease. He has the potential to become a true facilitator on the back end, especially on the power play. His offensive numbers improved over his first full season in the SHL, showing an ability to adapt and produce in a notoriously stingy league.
Although the playoffs have just begun for Sandin Pellikka and Skellefteå, word came out recently that the expectation is that he will make his way over to North America when his SHL playoff run has concluded. The report also states that the Red Wings’ place in the standings will play a role in determining whether the defenseman joins the team in Detroit or their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Both the Red Wings and the Griffins are in the midst of a playoff chase, though the AHL squad is in better shape than the NHL team. It will be interesting to see how the timing of Sandin Pellikka’s arrival also plays a factor in where he debuts. Regardless, he’ll be a name to keep in mind looking ahead to training camp next season.
Augustine Big Ten Goaltender of the Year
Sebastian Cossa gets most of the attention when it comes to Red Wings goaltending prospects, but right behind him is Trey Augustine. Augustine, a second round pick in 2023, is in his sophomore season at Michigan State University, and has built on the success he had in his freshman season.
Augustine was recently named the Big Ten conference’s goaltender of the year before backstopping the Spartans to a repeat conference championship. He has 19 wins in 29 appearances, improved his goals-against average by almost a full point from last season (2.96 to 2.01), and improved his save-percentage from .915 to .927. The stats reflect the play as Augustine has been sharp on a near-nightly basis. The Spartans have championship aspirations, and he is a big reason why.
A big decision awaits the Red Wings once Augustine’s season is over. He has shown a proficiency at the NCAA level and it sure seems like he is ready to take the next step in his development. An entry-level contract (ELC), beginning next season, would enable that next step as he would likely then join the Griffins for the remainder on their season, perhaps immediately as Cossa’s backup given veteran Jack Campbell’s struggles this season.
Related: Mrázek’s Red Wing Return Hints at 2025-26 Goaltending Plan
This would also set up a Cossa/Augustine tandem in Grand Rapids to start next season, if their recent acquisition of Petr Mrázek is any indication of their goaltending plan for next season. However, if the Red Wings’ front office decides that a clear starting role is paramount to Augustine’s development, they may opt to delay his ELC and let him stick with the Spartans for another season.
While fans of the green and white may like that idea, it shouldn’t be a surprise if Augustine is wearing a Griffins uniform in a matter of weeks.
Dmitry Buchelnikov Arriving Soon?
Perhaps the most intriguing prospect in the Red Wings’ pool, Dmitry Buchelnikov ranked fourth in our midseason rankings due to his high-end skill and offensive ability. A second round pick in 2022, the Russian winger showed a great deal of growth throughout his second season in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), asserting himself offensively in arguably the second-strongest league in the world.
Buchelnikov’s season came to a close Sunday, Mar. 23, and it ended a somewhat historic chase for the 21-year-old. With 54 points, he finished the season with the second-highest point total for a U22 player in KHL history, and the most for a U22 forward.
When you’re putting up numbers that rival and even exceed that of a player like Kirill Kaprizov, people take note. Buchelnikov has taken big steps forward over the last couple of seasons, and it feels like it may not be long before he’s a player that fans from outside of Detroit are excited to see him on North American ice.
There’s only one problem: Buchelnikov is still under contract with his KHL club. His contract would have to be voided before he could join the Red Wings organization in any capacity.
However, if there’s one thing Matvei Michkov has taught the hockey world, it’s that if a player really wants to play in the NHL, they’ll figure out how to get to North America.
