If the Detroit Red Wings decide to shift direction next season, they need to make sure the prospects get all the playing time they need. This means moving on from the philosophy of "over-ripening" prospects. It requires the team to accept that rookies will make mistakes and occasionally bungle a key play or two.
It also means giving young players everything they need to be successful at the NHL level.
If things go according to plan during the preseason, it's safe to assume some (if not all) of the players on this list will be full time Red Wings by the end of the 2026-27 season:
Carter Bear is focused on the here and now
One of the most impressive off-ice attributes of Carter Bear is his mentality. Rather than focus on making the Red Wings right away, he's instead focusing on getting bigger, faster and stronger to eventually make the Red Wings.
In an interview with Red Wings media, Bear reiterated his focus on getting stronger.
“It’s pro now, and it’s a whole new level of hockey,” Bear said. “It’s way different than juniors; it’s faster and you’ve gotta be smarter and stronger. Like I said earlier, I just need to work on my game that Detroit wants me to work on and focus on that, and trust Detroit on whatever their best development is for me, and just trust that. I think it’ll all work out."
That type of mentality alone - coupled with Bear's impressive last couple seasons with the Everett Silvertips - makes his progress worth monitoring. Bear would be an excellent complement to the team's top-six on either wing or center (per his Eliteprospects page).
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard's services are needed
The Red Wings are going to need all the goal scoring they can get. With the departure of Patrick Kane, James van Riemsdyk and, potentially, Dylan Larkin, the team is short 65 goals. For a team that's already struggled to generate offense, this is, clearly, very bad.
This is where Michael Brandsegg-Nygard comes in.
The former first round pick did admirably last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, putting up 20 goals and 24 assists for 44 points in 60 games. Obviously, that doesn't mean that level of production will be one to one in the NHL, but it's certainly encouraging.
Brandsegg-Nygard's physicality, coupled with his knack for scoring goals, should help to, at the very least, replace James van Riemsdyk's 15 goals. If he can add any more, it should be considered a huge boon to the roster. All he needs is an opportunity to succeed.
It's up to Nate Danielson to succeed this season
Perhaps no other player among the Red Wings needs to have a stronger season than Nate Danielson. The former first round pick turns 22 this season and, if he can't make the roster, the organization will have to figure out next steps without him.
Fortuantely, it appears as if they'll give him every opportunity possible to succeed. Whether that means pairing him with Alex DeBrincat or allowing him to earn his spot on his own remains to be seen. Still, in the brief audition he had with the Red Wings last season, he showed some promise, collecting seven points in 28 games.
Had it not been for injuries, Danielson would have likely had a much better AHL season as well. He finished off the 2025-26 campaign with 15 points in 18 games with the Griffins. The Red Wings will need all the help they can get at center this season. If Danielson hopes to become a regular in the Winged Wheel, he'll need to show he's got what it takes this time around.
Anton Johansson a potential dark horse starter this season
The Red Wings have a handful of defensive prospects knocking on the door. From William Wallinder (who just signed a one-year deal) to Shai Buium, there's no shortage of young talent ready to establish themselves on the backend.
But no defenseman stands out quite like Anton Johansson.
The former Leksands IF product joined the Griffins late last season and immediately established himself as one of the top defenders on the roster. He's a physical, imposing defender who fits the exact mold the Red Wings have tried to cultivate with their blueliners.
Former Red Wings franchise defender Niklas Kronwall heaped praise on Johansson for his hunger and desire to grow.
"I think he's still just growing, growing and growing," said Kronwall. "It's incredibly fun to see him here during the WC and how he handles it. I don't think we've seen the roof of what he can do. He's only at the beginning and there's more to pick up there too,"
Axel Sandin-Pellikka will be a force for years to come
Perhaps Sandin-Pellikka shouldn't be on this list. After all, he played 68 games last season, pocketing 21 points in the process. Would that still make him a prospect? As of right now, yes. With no clear spot for him on the roster, he'll need to fight his way into a role this preseason.
Fortunately, Sandin-Pellikka has had all offseason to prepare for this. One of the biggest knocks on his game was that he was often bullied off the puck. With a strong offseason (and plenty of strength training), he'll enter next season with a renewed mentality and a stronger approach to his game.
Now that he understands the rigor of the NHL, all he has to do is refine certain aspects of his game. If things go according to plan, he'll be a force in the NHL for years to come. Once Justin Faulk is moved or hits free agency, he'll have an all but guaranteed spot on that second defensive pairing.
The question isn't an if so much as it is a when.
Add us as a preferred source on Google