We all know about Nate Danielson and Carter Bear, but there's another Red Wings prospect making tidal waves in Russia and his name is Dmitri Buchelnikov.
The name still resonates, doesn't it? For any devotee of hockey's golden '90s, especially those attuned to the pulse of Detroit, the mere mention conjures legends: Sergei Fedorov, Slava Fetisov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Slava Kozlov, and Igor Larionov.
They were The Russian Five, a quintet that rewrote the rules of puck possession and brought Soviet discipline to North American chaos. And for the Detroit Red Wings, they were the architects of a dynasty, culminating in the long-awaited Stanley Cup triumph of 1997.
Russian Fury
Fast forward nearly three decades, and another Russian name is beginning to stir echoes of that storied past: Dmitri Buchelnikov. A name that sounds more suited to a wanted poster in a Bond film than the back of a hockey jersey—yet.
Buchelnikov isn’t chasing secrets. He’s chasing goals. In his preseason debut with CSKA Moscow, the newly acquired winger made an immediate impact, opening the scoring with a confident finish.
But it wasn’t just that he scored—it was who he scored against: Zach Fucale, a former NHL goaltender who made four starts for the Washington Capitals during the 2021–22 season. Fucale may not be a household name, but he's been to the show—and that still means something.
Credited with the assist was Vladislav Yeryomenko, another fresh addition to the roster with something to prove. A crisp pass, a quick release, and just like that, Buchelnikov announced his arrival.
The only problem is that the rest of the team didn't seem to be motivated by Buchelnikov's triumph. In fact, they didn't score again, and Dinamo Minsk rallied for a 4-1 victory. But hey, Buchelnikov, who was traded to CSKA Moscow during the offseason after his previous team, Vityaz, folded, was not to blame for the defeat.
It wouldn’t be entirely surprising to see Buchelnikov in a Red Wings jersey later this season. Detroit is high on the young winger, and the organization would no doubt prefer to see him skating in their shade of red sooner rather than later.
This marks the final year of his contract with CSKA Moscow, and there’s every reason to believe it will be just that—his final year in the KHL. There are subtle signs pointing westward. Most notably, Buchelnikov has begun learning English and is reportedly communicating more effectively in the language.
Why go through the effort if a move to North America isn’t on the horizon? Of course, one could chalk it up to curiosity—or boredom—but such pragmatism rarely arrives without purpose.
All jokes aside, Dmitri Buchelnikov is poised to become a Red Wing. And with him may come a second wave of Russian brilliance. The Russian Five once defined an era in Detroit. Don’t look now, but Russian Fury may be ready for its encore.
Buchelnikov is known for having a lethal wrist shot and for scoring from very awkward, yet precise angles. That's impressive and difficult, much like it is to gain the support of the Detroit fanbase. However, it appears Buchelnikov is more than ready to shine.
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