Former Detroit Red Wings draft pick Dmitri Buchelnikov announced today that he is staying in the KHL for another year. Last week, the Red Wings traded Buchelnikov, a 2026 first round pick and a 2026 third round pick for Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues. Four years ago, the Red Wings selected Buchelnikov with the 52nd pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
This is Buchelnikov's fourth consecutive year he's chosen to stay in Russia post-draft. In 41 games with CKSA Moscava of the KHL, Buchelnikov has 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points. Buchelnikov has not signed a contract wtih the Blues. Yet, despite that, the NHL and KHL do not have a transfer agreement in place. Due to this, Buchelnikov's rights will remain with the Blues rather than expire like other 2022 unsigned draftees.
Red Wings made right choice in trading Buchelnikov
While losing a promising prospect like Buchelnikov stings, the Red Wings made the right choice in trading his rights to the Blues. Detroit's window of contention is just now starting to open. Roster spots are becoming harder and harder to obtain. With Buchelnikov committed to the KHL next season, and the flashy forward turning 23 this offseason, it's hard to imagine the Red Wings would have room for him on the roster.
By the time Buchelnikov makes his NHL debut (assuming he doesn't stay in the KHL), he'll be 24. In two seasons, the Red Wings will look substantially different. It's hard to know if there would be a place on the roster -- or if Buchelnikov ever makes his way to the NHL to begin with. After all, he might very well be happy in Russia. That's the risk of gambling on drafting KHL players. There's a strong chance they never make their way to NHL ice.
For now, the Blues will have to wait for a chance to sign their newly-acquired prospect. The Red Wings, on the other hand, continue blazing a trail to the playoffs.
Faulk off to strong start with Red Wings
On the other hand of the trade, Justin Faulk looks like the real deal. He's calm and collected on the ice, retrieving pucks and establishing control of his zone without much hassle. On Tuesday's game against the Panthers, Faulk collected his first goal as a Red Wing.
Justin Faulk with a ROCKET backhand goal! 🚀
March 11, 2026
That's his first with the @DetroitRedWings! pic.twitter.com/SiKGDxFiHCFaulk plays on the second pair opposite to Ben Chiarot. His efforts in stabilizing the blue line will make all the difference as the Red Wings push for the playoffs. While the team is currently without both Andrew Copp and Dylan Larkin, their newly-revamped blue line should at least help to stymie attempts by opposing teams to score.