The Red Wings have a massive prospect pool. Since Steve Yzerman became general manager, the organization has drafted 61 prospects. So far, out of the 61, only 16 have gotten contracts with the organization, and only six have played at least 30 games for the Red Wings so far.
Long story short, the Red Wings organization has more than enough prospects they can move on from and enough prospects who are projected to be a big part of the team's future success that the team doesn't have much of a need for so many prospects.
While it's nice to have so many prospects who could potentially become regular players in the NHL, there isn't enough space for everybody, and some of them may end up having to go.
With so many prospects, I've decided to choose three prospects the Red Wings should not part with and three who should be considered as potential candidates to move in various deals.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka (D) - Keep
This one should go without saying, but I'm gonna say it anyway. Drafted 17th overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Axel Sandin-Pellikka (or ASP) has become what many would consider the Red Wings' best prospect. On the verge of breaking many previous SHL records as a 19-year-old defenseman, he's become a major asset for the future of the Red Wings.
Filthy mitts on Axel Sandin-Pellikka 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/ntl5CHazNy
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) January 5, 2025
ASP is projected to become the second-pair right-handed defenseman behind Moritz Seider, so his development into a top-four defenseman is crucial to the Red Wings' future success. Moving him for nearly any reason would likely be a massive blow to the organization's plans.
Not to mention, finding a RHD the same caliber as ASP would be incredibly expensive for any team to acquire via trade or in Free Agency.