The Hockey News’s Tony Ferrari examined the Detroit Red Wings’ prospects this afternoon, discussing the Wings’ surplus of young players on both collective and individual bases.
He discusses the Wings’ top prospects in general, the players most likely to play this season, the under-23 prospect corps, the Wings’ 2026 NHL Draft class, and the prospect pool’s strengths and weaknesses. Here’s his introduction:
Every time the Red Wings are close to reaching the post-season again, they find themselves falling apart in March and April.
Fortunately for them, their prospect pool includes big-game performers or high-motor guys who could find themselves playing important minutes when things get tough.
One player who exemplifies that mindset is Carter Bear. The 2025 first-round pick may not have blown the doors off the page statistically as he returned from injury this past season, but his endless motor and relentless style of play were on full display. Bear brings intense speed and skill and an attitude between the whistles. He’s the kind of player who is going to play in every situation at the next level. He will jump to the AHL this year, but don’t be surprised to see him play NHL games at some point to help light a fire under the big club.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard also fits the mold the Red Wings need. The Norwegian forward started the year in the NHL and looked good in general, but he wasn’t producing much, so they sent him to the AHL. In the minors, he had 44 points in 60 games, regularly showcasing his excellent shot and power game.
Brandsegg-Nygard excels at hunting pucks down, getting in on the forecheck and disrupting opposing players in transition. On offense, he attacks the net, goes to the slot and plays a very pro-style game already. He should challenge for a roster spot on the NHL club.
Last year, the Wings gave Nate Danielson plenty of opportunities last season to lock down a spot in the NHL lineup, but the game just seemed to be a little bit too fast for him. Danielson plays with some speed, and he is a good playmaker, both of which he displayed in the AHL. His offensive upside is a bit limited as he has become the poster child for Detroit’s tendency to draft players with safe floors. He should get every opportunity to play a middle-six role in the NHL this year, and if things go well, it wouldn’t be out of the question to see him play top six minutes down the middle.
Ferrari continues at extended length…This is always a must-read.
