3 underrated players to watch on the Red Wings prospect camp roster

It feels great to start talking about Red Wings hockey in September, as it’s only a matter of time before the season begins, and we can all debate who should make the final roster before the puck drops for real next month. 

The prospects who are worth watching more than most in camp this season may not end up with the big club, barring some unforeseen and unforgettable performances. Nor will the underrated potential “diamonds in the rough” on this list, but they are players who could be, at the absolute least, future go-to assets when it comes to depth scoring and defense with the Wings. 

None of these players will be franchise cornerstones, but they may possess future lower-liner potential once they hone their respective games at the pro level in the AHL. Or, in the case of the first prospect we will discuss, solid organizational depth or even a backup goaltender. 

Landon Miller, G

As a fourth-round pick this past offseason, Landon Miller is “light years” from seeing the NHL ice, but his 6’5, 194-pound frame stands out, and he will continue to add size over the next few seasons. Sure, Miller faces an uphill battle with prospects like Sebastian Cossa pegged in as the future, but he still boasts unlimited potential. 

This past regular season, he finished with a 2.79 GAA, two shutouts, 17 wins, and an 0.889 save percentage for the Soo Greyhounds. Not bad numbers for a player in his first full OHL season, and they are something to build on.

He’ll head into this season’s prospects camp looking to see where he currently sits against those at his own skill level. And if he plays well, Miller will give Red Wings fans a reason to zero in on following his 2024-25 campaign with the Greyhounds. 

Jakub Rychlovsky, F

If there is one relative unknown to follow, it’s Jakub Rychlovsky, who, despite having no experience playing hockey in North America, could be the ultimate diamond in the rough after a remarkable year in Extraliga last season. 

Rychlovsky has never played outside of Czechia, but the potential is there after he put up 26 goals and 46 points for Bili Tygri Liberec in 2023-24. With an additional five goals in nine playoff appearances, the Red Wings just landed a prospect who could, once he’s acclimated to the North American game, become a valuable asset in the Motor City. 

As far as expectations go, I wouldn’t expect any miracles from Rychlovsky just yet, as he will face a steep learning curve. But this time next year, Rychlovsky, should he continue what he started last season in Czechia, could at least transform into impeccable organizational depth.

Hunter Johannes, W

Heading into his age-26 season, it will also be Hunter Johannes’ first full pro campaign in 2024-25. And while you may ask why I put such a late-bloomer on a list containing even underrated prospects, his size and playmaking potential are worth watching. 

Injuries could have been the culprit behind Johannes failing to generate his fair share of attention. But still, 12 goals in 31 games for the University of North Dakota last season and 13 goals and 29 points in 28 contests for Lindenwood in 2022-23 shows that this is a player with scoring potential. 

To be frank, it would be short-sighted to count out Johannes just because it’s taken so long for him to see a full season at any level of pro hockey.