Patrick Kane is in vintage form, with four points and three assists through the Detroit Red Wings' first three games. But he's also in his age 37 season and could be hanging up his skates in the near future. Plus, putting too much faith in Kane keeping up his high-octane play is a risky gamble.
He’s still great, but his ebbs and flows have fluctuated hard and more sporadically in recent seasons.
But Red Wings fans shouldn't be concerned, given one prospect in Russia who is once again playing as advertised. Dmitri Buchelnikov, who doesn't get talked about enough, is on a trajectory that should leave fans optimistic.
Buchelnikov is in the final season of his KHL contract, so he can jump over to Hockeytown in 2026-27 if he chooses. And since he has extensive experience in the KHL, he should roll with the big club the minute he lands in Detroit.
So far this season, Buchelnikov has nine points and five goals in 14 games, putting him on pace for 43 points and 24 goals in 68 contests. It's a dip in points production from 2024-25, when he had 54 points and 15 goals in 65 games. But this season, he's looking like a pure goal scorer.
Dmitri Buchelnikov is drawing praise from one former Red Wings great
Sergei Fedorov has noticed Buchelnikov's skill on the ice. Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now reported Fedorov saying, “Yeah, he’s a goal scorer, definitely. He’s one of those. He can make a play, too. Make a couple of passes.
“So offensively, really no problem. He will get his probably 20, 30 goals here, I hope, because he plays power play almost every game (and gets) three, four chances.”
That's a ringing endorsement, and one that will give Red Wings fans peace of mind should Kane leave for another team or retire following the 2025-26 season, or if they're still looking for that missing winger in the top six if Kane sticks around.
Buchelnikov may have some work cut out for him at the NHL level
If there is one downside to Buchelnikov, it's his size. Right now, he's clocking in at 5'10, 170 lbs, putting him on the small side. And while he's playing against men in Russia, he'll face a different breed in the NHL with smaller rinks and more physical play.
With his current size, Buchelnikov would get knocked off the puck easily and have a rough time winning puck battles along the boards. So, while he's a human highlight reel, he'll need to pack on muscle and, ideally, enter the NHL weighing between 180 and 185 lbs. That alone would make a big difference in his overall strength.
Right now, Buchelnikov isn't a complete player, but he will be with added size and strength. Luckily for him, he will get a full offseason before coming over and competing for a full-time spot in Detroit.