DobberProspects’ Emmanuel Alforque examines the Red Wings’ prospect pool today, discussing the Red Wings’ draft class of 2025, some of the Wings’ top prospects, those on the rise, and those who have fallen in terms of their overall value. He offers a top 20 list of prospects as well, and there are glimmers of NHL team moves and an NHL team prediction, too.
Here’s one of his three in-the-system prospect profiles…
Dmitri Buchelnikov, RW (52nd overall in 2022)
Buchelnikov put up 54 points (15 goals, 39 assists) in 65 games on a very bad Vityaz team in the KHL. Despite that, he finished top-20 in points in the league. This season, he’ll get the opportunity to play on a prestigious CSKA team in Russia so it’ll be interesting to track his progress.
He seems to fly under the radar when it comes to Red Wings prospects because he plays in Russia but he is a heck of a player. I see a lot of Mathew Barzal when I look at his skating, his maneuverability and his playmaking. Being 5-10, he’s smaller than him but he still plays that smart, heads-up hockey. What Buchelnikov lacks in size, he makes up for in speed. He explodes off the rush and has the escapability to find himself 1-on-1 against a goalie. He also won the fastest skater challenge during the KHL All-Star Competition, skating a 13.7 seconds lap. For reference, Larkin owns the NHL record at 13.1 seconds. Not only is he fast, but his brain keeps up with his feet. He sees the ice extremely well and has killer offensive instincts. Buchelnikov has the unique ability to skate his way out of trouble and serve the puck on a platter to his linemates. If given the right opportunity, I could see him excelling at the NHL level in a top-six role.
And he gives a thumbs-up to the Red Wings’ 2025 first-round pick, too:
Round 1, 13th Overall: Carter Bear, LW
The biggest concern heading into the draft for Bear was the injury he suffered this year in early March where he partially tore his achilles from a skate laceration. Despite that, he resumed skating ahead of schedule which quickly silenced any doubts surrounding his health on draft day. Since then, he’s signed his entry level contract with the Wings but is expected to return to the WHL for his D+1 season.
Finishing with 82 points (40 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games, Bear exploded offensively last season for the Everett Silvertips. There’s a lot to like about his game but his compete level is what stands out the most. In his own end, he’s positionally sound and rarely gets caught out of coverage. He transitions up the ice with speed and intent to create scoring chances off the rush. He has great vision to find teammates and has a knack to score goals around the net. Bear dominates in all three zones and there is a reason why he led his team in every offensive category. He is impressive along the boards, winning the majority of his battles. Bear gets involved physically using his body during puck pursuit and uses his motor to overwhelm opponents. Trusted in all situations, Bear has top-six forward written all over him. I have no doubt he’ll have a long NHL career.
Continued; this is a very good prospect-centric read.
