Ranking the Detroit Red Wings top 10 prospects is no easy task since they have one of the best pipelines in all of hockey. Plus, I put my own spin on these rankings, so they may look a little different from what you may've seen from other outlets.
I rolled with a combination of production, potential, and how they fared historically with their development. Chances are, you'll find a few names off of here who you may've said, "Todd should've added them." And okay, fine, whatever. Fair enough.
One player I omitted was Elmer Soderblom, since we would've seen more from him if injuries didn't get in the way. He also got substantial playing time in 2023-24. Anyway, enough talk about omissions. Here's the top 10 from my point of view.
10 - Michal Postava, G
Some may rank Trey Augustine over him, and that's fine. But Michal Postava never took a step back throughout his first season in Czechia's pro league, snagging three shutouts, a 2.39 GAA, and a 0.921 save percentage in 42 regular season games. He'll have a learning curve in Grand Rapids, but he's built momentum.
9 - Shai Buium, D
We were hoping for more from Buium last season, but he still more than showed playmaking potential. Making a serious jump in 2025-26 is a must if I'm going to keep him in the top 10, so I'm expecting a lot in Year 2. But, Buium's production didn't pick up in college until 2023-24, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
8 - Carter Bear, F
I nearly put Carter Bear at No. 7, but I swapped him with one player, and that put his debut in these rankings at No. 8. He's a tenacious player who will inject a much-needed edge into the Red Wings when he proves he's ready for the big club.
7 - Dmitri Buchelnikov, F
Buchelnikov tore it up in the KHL last season, putting up 15 goals and 54 points in his age-21 season. There was even talk of Buchelnikov making his way to North America this season. And if he made his grand entrance, he'd fly up these rankings should he figure out the North American game early. That said, a recent trade will probably keep him in Russia for another year.
6 - Max Plante, F
This kid's gonna be good when he makes the NHL. But until then, enjoy watching his development at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He'll be a point-per-game player again with a knack for playmaking, guaranteed.
5 - Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D
Another one who could skyrocket up these rankings as he gets used to North American ice. We knew Axel Sandin-Pellikka could play well in Sweden, and when he adjusts his game to North American ice, don't be surprised when you see him make a cameo or two in the NHL later in 2025-26.
4 - Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, F
Like Sandin-Pellikka, Brandsegg-Nygard will have an adjustment period. But even if he shows nothing more than middle-six potential, Brandsegg-Nygard will bring much-needed help defensively and an edge to his game. If he does that in Grand Rapids, then he's doing his job. Though he did get off to a hot start in the playoffs, with three points and two goals in three games.
3 - Nate Danielson, F
A good, not great first full season in Grand Rapids will set the stage for a breakout campaign in 2025-26. As with Sandin-Pellikka, it wouldn't surprise me if Nate Danielson earned a cameo appearance or two with the big club at some point in 2025-26 if he builds on the foundation from last season.
2 - Carter Mazur, F
Some may feel I have Carter Mazur ranked too high. But he's the next man up for a full-time gig in Hockeytown, so he snags the No. 2 spot. An injury derailed quality minutes for Mazur last season with the big club, so here's to that not happening in 2025-26 when he likely starts the season with fourth-line minutes.
1 - Sebastian Cossa, G
If injuries hit the Red Wings crease again this season, expect to see more of Sebastian Cossa with the big club. No, he didn't play well in the postseason, but he showed enough consistency during the campaign to convince me that he can hold his own in the NHL if needed in spot duty. Come 2026-27, and barring a meltdown in 2025-26, he will be with the big club.
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