Over the last several years, the Detroit Red Wings have been known for two things: great prospects and collapsing in March. One is, of course, far more aggravating than the other, but waiting for prospects to finally graduate can feel like an exercise in frustration.
The good news is that this current iteration of the Red Wings appears ready to accept multiple prospects at once. Last season, we saw Emmitt Finnie, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Axel Sandin-Pellikka graduate, with Finnie playing all 82 games. This time around, as many as three or four spots could open up to rookies if they're capable of seizing them.
Daily Faceoff's list of the top 75 prospects in the NHL confirms that belief, as four Red Wings prospects have made the list. (Note: Axel Sandin-Pellikka was omitted from the list as he's "graduated" due to his NHL experience).
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is an obvious addition
It shouldn't be a shock to see Michael Brandsegg-Nygard ranked 43rd on this list. His two-way play, combined with his ability to find the back of the net, made him a force with the Grand Rapids Griffins. While he did have somewhat of an extended audition with the Red Wings, frustrating deployment and limited ice time kept him from reaching his full potential.
In an ideal world, Brandsegg-Nygard makes the roster out of camp, shows his stuff at the NHL and fights his way up to the second line next season.
Carter Bear is set for success
Carter Bear, ranked 44th, is bound for big things. After another successful season with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL, he's officially turning pro. He'll either start the season with the Red Wings or the Griffins in 2026-27. Bear has a penchant for goal scoring that will come in mightily handy at the NHL or AHL level next season.
Steven Ellis, the writer of the article, believes that Bear is talented enough to make the Red Wings right out of camp. "Consider me a big fan," he says.
J.P. Hurlbert makes his debut
The last first round pick of the Steve Yzerman era, J.P. Hurlbert's high ceiling and potential make him one of the most exciting prospects in Hockeytown. Hurlbert is 61st on this list because Ellis has concerns regarding his speed and ability off the puck, but he reiterates that Hurlbert is "scary" when he has the puck.
Fortunately, at 18 years of age, he'll have plnety of time to smooth out the rougher edges of his game. If things pan out, he could become quite the fearsome threat on the ice.
Max Plante rounds out the list
Last (but certainly not least), Max Plante joins the list at 64th. Plante finished off last season at the University of Minnesota Duluth with an impressive 25 goals and 52 points. His efforts secured his first Hobey Baker Award, marking him the best player in the NCAA in the 2025-26 season. He's been described as everything from a machine to a pit bull, capable of hounding the puck and finding the back of the net with ease.
In June, the Red Wings drafted his brother, Victor. The two will continue to play together at UMD, hopefully signing their respective entry-level deals as early as next season.
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