3 (more) Detroit Red Wings core level prospects

or anyone who missed them or would like to revisit, here is the franchise-tier prospect list and the previous core-tier prospect list.

This idea is based on Will Scouch (@scouching) and his pyramid tiers. Recently, he posted a Detroit Red Wings pyramid, which I felt was fair but I wanted to add my two cents on the subject. His video is linked below:

Scouch creates easily digestiable content that provides an outside perspective on teams. For my purposes, most of my timeline is a sounding board of people with similar viewpoints, so it’s refreshing (and sad someitmes) to hear a take completely different from the norm.

Especially for me, I know I overvalue prospects (I can’t help it, I just believe in people more than I probably should until I absolutely cannot any longer). As disheartening as it can be, it’s a good reality check when another individual provides their take on our prospects. Although, I think it can be challenging to keep up with every prospect, their particular growth for any given year, and what kind of impact they might have on a specific team in the future. Because of this idea, I take everything with a grain of salt and appreciation for what the insight is—more information. 

Any information can help with forming opinions and growing as an ice hockey watcher, especially as I try to organize my thoughts on the Detroit Red Wings’ mountain of prospects.

Here are the next three core-tier level Detroit Red wings prospects in my list

Please note that this list is not all encompassing, they’re the next three in my list (no specific order in where they are placed within the tier, I’m hoping to get my prospect rankings out sooner than later).

Dmitri (Dmitry) Buchelnikov

Everyone loves talking about the Detroit Red Wings and Swedes, but there is something special about the Detroit Red Wings and Russian prospects. 

Dmitri Buchelnikov, a Russian winger, brings a renewed hope to the Detroit Red Wings pipeliine. 

Not only is he reaquanting the Detroit Red Wings with Russia, he’s breaking the perceived mold of the type of player that his team is known to draft. 

While he may not be a blackhole defensively, he’s not a two-way player. Buchelnikov is known for his flashy, fancy offensive work. Similar to Jonatan Berggren, Buchelnikov has dazzled Detroit Red Wings fans since being drafted 52nd overall (in the second round) in the 2022 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Level Draft.

Recently, he signed a two-year contract in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Buchelnikov is expected to remain in Russia until 2026, which in some ways is unfortunate. The Detroit Red Wings are in desperate need of some offensive firepower both on the NHL and American Hockey League (AHL) levels. 

At the same time,  general manager, Steve Yzerman, has signed a ridiculous number of veterans who have blocked the way for prospects to reach the NHL-level (and even some AHL veterans have had priority of some developing guys with the Grand Rapids Griffins). Also, Buchelnikov is comfortable in his homeland, so it makes sense that he only comes to the US when he feels he’s ready to take a spot (likely challenging for an NHL spot and bypassing the AHL level).

Buchelnikov has moved for the 2024-25 season to Vityaz Moscow Region of the KHL, where he’s earned three total points (one goal and two assists) with four penalty minutes and a +2 rating in two games played.

In his previous season, he played at multiple levels with he majority being the KHL with Adiral Vladivostok where he finished with 55 games, 13 goals, 16 assists (29 total points), eight penalty minutes and a -9 rating.

I anticipate that Buchelnikov will play a huge role in the Detroit Red Wings’ future five-on-five play, along with power play time.

Carter Mazur 

When someone looks up the definition of a hockey player, they’re bound to find a picture of Carter Mazur. 

He’s just a hockey guy defined in every conceivable way. Works hard, plays the right way, and has a great time while doing so, the epitome of Mazur’s game. He helps his teammates and protects them whenever possible—even if he didn’t start the skirmish, he’s always in the thick of things. 

Possibly the most efficient puck-getter, Mazur is the piano puller for his linemates. Yet, he’s no slouch in any zone, including the offensive zone. He has an underrated shot, underappreciated playmaking, and a dedication to developing every aspect of his game. The quintessential Detroit Red Wings type of player doesn’t lessen his worth to this organziation.

Mazur can play anywhere in the lineup and on both special teams. A perfect compliment to guys in the top-six and as comfortable playing in a grinding bottom-six role, there is plenty of room in the future of the organization for Mazur (and we sure need him)

Trey Augustine

A seemingly opposite-style goaltender to Sebastian Cossa, Trey Augustine is capable of holding his own in any discussion surrounding the future in net for the Detroit Red Wings. 

Although he was only drafted in 2023, he’s proved his worth as the starting goaltender of the Michigan State Spartans. Along with fellow Detroit Red Wings prospect and captain of the Michigan State Spartans, Red Savage, they will seek a better outcome in the 2024-25 season.

Both players will be a huge part of that run. 

For Augustine, he’s a calm, methodic, well-oiled machine. He doesn’t seem to let things bother him too much, which is a huge quality to have in a goaltender. It’s still something that Cossa struggles with from time to time (though his recovery from those dark head spaces has drastically improved). For Augustine, it just seems natural.

He’s known to be a mature individual—even earning the nickname “Gramps.” 

I’m not sure how high Augustine’s ceiling is, and I’m the most hesitant about giving goalies high ratings out within my prospect tiers as they’re the biggest gamble it seems, but all I know is that Augustine has seemingly endless potential.

In the upcoming seasons, I look forward to watching as much of Augustine as I can. 

Although it may not be fair to compare Augustine to Cossa, it’s something I find most fascinating given their contrasting traits and mind for the game. I think they can help push each other in a healthy, positive way, as well.

Here’s to hoping for the best and Augustine rises up the tier list this season.