10 exciting prospects Red Wings fans must know about right now

This is a ranking of the most exciting prospects for the Detroit Red Wings, not one of those generic, who's got the mot potential, or who's the most NHL-ready lists.

Instead, this one's based on the 10 names I have circled in red heading into September, and why I'm looking forward to following everything they do this season.

A few of those listed below are sheer wild cards with tons of potential, and could surprise. Others look like outstanding players and could be on the verge of seeing at least a trial at the NHL level this season.

So, who am I burning on and why? Let's start with a recently-signed netminder who could wreak havoc.

10 - Michal Postava, G/Grand Rapids Griffins

Make no mistake: Michal Postava will push Sebastian Cossa this season. He's smaller, at just 6'2, 207, but Postava made quick work of opponents during his only full season for HC Kometa Brno in Czechia, finishing with three shutouts, a 2.39 GAA, and a 0.921 save percentage.

The burning question? Will he face a steep learning curve in North America? If not he'll chase Cossa more than you may think, regardless of what the potential future in the Wings net does.

9 - Max Plante, C/Minnesota-Duluth

Chalk up Year 1 in the NCAA ranks a success for Max Plante, with nine goals and 28 points in 23 games. He still lacks ideal size, but Plante makes up for it in playmaking, something you'll see again in 2025-26.

He's also not afraid to bring an edge to his game, giving him three-zone vibes. If he keeps that up for another year, Plante's threatening the top five in these rankings.

8 - Carter Bear, F/Everett Silvertips

The first-round pick in the most recent draft will always draw excitement, but fans have every reason to be optimistic about Carter Bear. Like Plante, he can stand to gain a few more pounds of muscle, but his physical approach and ability to finish sequences and put linemates in position to finish them is what'll push Bear up a ranking like this fast.

Yeah, there might be some competition between him and Plante. Bear should flat-out dominate in the WHL this season, and that will put him in a perfect position to graduate to the AHL ranks in 2026-27.

7 - Carter Mazur, W/Grand Rapids Griffins

I'd be shocked if we didn't remove the prospect label from Carter Mazur by the new year, since he's got the inside track to open the season in the NHL. But he's not someone you think of immediately in terms of excitement.

He's got reliable, gritty play, likely ideal for the middle-six. The one issue? Injuries. Can Mazur stay healthy after a season that saw him play in just 21 games, which included his injury-shortened Red Wings debut?

6 - Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW/Grand Rapids Griffins

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is one player who's going to show up this season, guaranteed. By the end of his short stint with Grand Rapids last season, he looked like he belonged, which is rare for someone with such little experience with the North American game.

Expect him to play with an edge from the get-go, showing off solid, three-zone play and the ability to make netminders miss when he gets a chance to drill the puck home. I'm looking for at least a cameo in Detroit at some point this season.

5 - Nate Danielson, C/Grand Rapids Griffins

There's always a chance Nate Danielson ends up with the big club, but let's give him another season in Grand Rapids before we get too bold. That said, I do credit Elite Prospects for their optimism, since they actually have him slated to be on the Wings in 2025-26. At least that was the case as I wrote this.

Anyway, he enjoyed a great run last season in Grand Rapids, he's got the size to compete for a spot in the Wings lineup, and he's already got the high energy approach that will add another dimenson to Detroit offensively. So, let's see if he earns it.

4 - Trey Augustine, G/Michigan State

The only reason Trey Augustine isn't No. 1 on this list is because he hasn't signed yet. But the second he signs the dotted line, he's the undisputed champion.

I mean, we got a guy who's 6'1, 194 lbs heading into the year, and he made a massive leap in his second season at Michigan State, snagging a 2.08 GAA, a 0.924 save percentage, and three shutouts. This year? Expect those numbers to fly off the charts.

3 - Dmitri Buchelnikov, LW/CSKA Moskva

Next season, Dmitri Buchelnikov's coming in and he'll immediately compete for a spot in the lineup. A playmaker with 39 assists, 15 goals, and 54 points last season for Vityaz Moscow Region, Buchelnikov will, at worst, give his new club, CSKA Moskva, at least a point per game.

Yeah, he's undersized, clocking in at just 5'10, 170 lbs. But the former second-round pick's lightning fast and he knows what to do with the puck before his opponents can even locate where he's at on the ice. He will take the Red Wings by storm in 2026-27, and that's not a bold prediction.

2 - Sebastian Cossa, G/Grand Rapids Griffins

Oh, the pressure is on for Sebastian Cossa with Michael Postava in town and Trey Augustine waiting to strike when he decides to sign. But you know what? Cossa can prove this season, with a completely consistent campaign, that he's ready to take over the net in Detroit.

Cossa has shown enough flashes since 2023-24, so now, he needs to put it all together. In a way, I like this scenario, because now we'll see how he fares under intense pressure.

1 - Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D/Grand Rapids Griffins

Let's face it: Red Wings fans are already picturing what this defensive rotation will look like with Axel Sandin-Pellikka, at some point in the future, joining Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, and Albert Johnansson, and I can't blame them.

Detroit's had issues at the blue line for a while now, and it seemed like Seider's had to take the group and carry them on his back. Edvinsson will help, Johansson will supplement, but Sandin-Pellikka should be the answer.

We'll see what he does in his first full season with the Griffins. But if you ask me, he's going to ignite the team right off the bat.

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