The multi-talented EP Rinkside/DLLS Stars/Shap Shots’ Sean Shapiro has posted a set of player observations from this past weekend’s 2-game series between the Detroit Red Wings’ prospects and the Dallas Stars’ prospects.
Again, now that the prospect tournament has been pared down to a pair of games, it’s more difficult to make sweeping assertions regarding any of the participants, but Sean’s an excellent scout and hockey mind, so let’s pay attention to what he has to say about several less-heralded Red Wings prospects:
Shai Buium, Red Wings, LHD: Buium really impressed me this tournament in the offensive zone. I’ve always felt his defensive game was the reason he’d reach the NHL, and he was Detroit’s best defensive-zone player this weekend, but there was some added confidence with the puck on his stick and his shot has improved. Buium told me he worked on his shot a ton this summer, finding ways to jump into the play and use it more. Give me a full season of him and Sandin-Pellikka playing together and Grand Rapids, and make them a pairing to start the 2026-27 season in Detroit.
Emmitt Finnie, Red Wings, LW: Finnie had a rough start to the AHL in the spring, making the jump from the WHL, but I think some of his best attributes were on display this weekend and I’m pretty excited too see his AHL growth this season. Finnie attacks like a multi-tool, with speed and physicality, he uses his shoulders to create more space and then dives into that created space with his skating. He’s never going to be the best player on the team, but I think he’s going to have a lengthy NHL career because he’s going to understand how to play well with the best players.
Rudy Guimond, Red Wings, G: Guimond played and posted a shutout in the first two periods of Detroit’s win on Saturday night. The goalie, who was nearly perfect after moving to the QMJHL this past season, is composed, calm and did something goalies aren’t supposed to do in prospect games — have a good time. Landon Miller and Michael Pradel, the two other Detroit goalies at the tournament, really struggled and this felt like a nice little boost for Guimond before he returns to the QMJHL after a couple days of NHL training camp next week.
Continued; my quick takes are as follows:
- Buium is remarkably mobile for a 6’3,” 220-pound defenseman, and the 22-year-old definitely has to take a step forward as he’s battling with William Wallinder for a spot on the Wings’ roster in short order…But I just like Buium’s ability to combine a physical game with high-tempo puck skills. He’s got moxie!
- Finnie just turned 20, and the 6’1,” 190-pound winger/center is a stocky dude whose speed is excellent. I’m not sure whether his Major Junior hands will translate to goals at the AHL level, but I can definitely see him as a 3rd-liner who drives opponents crazy;
- Finally, Guimond is heading back to the QMJHL for one more season before heading to Harvard next summer as a 21-year-old, and the 6’3,” 172-pound goaltender is a skinny fellow, but he maximizes his size and does a good job in terms of keeping his fundamentals strong. I don’t know where he or Carter Gylander may fit in given that I believe Trey Augustine and Sebastian Cossa will both pan out to become NHL’ers, but there are always surprises.
