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Three Red Wings defense prospects you may have forgotten about

Every NHL organization has prospects that dominate the headlines, but some of the most interesting stories are the players you rarely hear about. Development isn't always linear, and while Detroit's top prospects steal the spotlight, several members of the Red Wings' 2023 draft class have quietly continued to take steps forward. Here's a look at three names that may have been forgotten but shouldn't be overlooked.
ByZachary Trathen|
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Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; The draft board after round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; The draft board after round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The Detroit Red Wings' prospect pool is often headlined by names like Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Trey Augustine and Carter Bear.

But beyond the organization's top prospects are several players who have quietly continued their development since being selected in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Here are three Red Wings prospects from the 2023 NHL Draft that may have slipped under the radar.

Larry Keenan

Detroit selected defenseman Larry Keenan in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. The 21-year-old stands 6-foot-4, weighs 203 pounds, and shoots left.

Keenan spent the 2025-26 season with the University of Massachusetts (UMass), where he continued to develop into a dependable two-way defenseman. He appeared in 36 games, recording 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points while logging 47 blocked shots (3rd best on the team) and 5 penalties.

His size, skating ability, and defensive awareness have kept him on Detroit's radar. He'll have another opportunity to prove he can eventually earn a pro contract after this season.

Jack Phelan

Jack Phelan was another defenseman Detroit grabbed in the 2023 draft, selecting him in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick.

The 22-year-old is listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds and shoots right. Phelan spent the 2025-2026 season with the University of Wisconsin, where he continues to become a reliable stay at home defenseman.

During the 2025-26 season, Phelan appeared in 37 games, scoring zero goals and adding 9 assists for 9 points while logging 46 blocked shots (3rd best on the team) and 7 penalties. While his offensive numbers won't jump off the page, he's become a reliable defender capable of playing in all situations.

Like Keenan, Phelan remains a longer-term project, but Detroit has shown plenty of patience with college prospects over the years.

Brady Cleveland

Perhaps the most recognizable name on this list is Brady Cleveland, who was selected in the second round (47th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. At 21 years old, Cleveland brings plenty of size at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, making him one of the more physical defensemen in Detroit's prospect pipeline.

Now playing at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Cleveland isn't known for putting up huge offensive numbers. During the 2025-26 season, he recorded zero goals and adding 2 assists for 2 points while focusing on roughing up the opposition, logging 18 penalties for 47 minutes.

His calling card has always been his physicality. Cleveland plays with an edge, finishes checks, and isn't afraid to stand up for teammates. Those traits helped make him an intriguing second-round selection, even if his offensive ceiling isn't as high as some of Detroit's other defensive prospects.

With Detroit continuing to build organizational depth on the blue line, Cleveland remains a player worth keeping an eye on as he continues his development.

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