The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at DobberProspects and has been condensed from two articles to one. The article will bring you: The highlighted team’s draft; insights into its off-season moves; looking at prospect risers, fallers and likely prospects to play NHL games; and of course, the writers’ top-20 prospects. Articles may be brought back when an important team update occurs, so check back because we plan to fill your hockey withdrawal needs all off-season!

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Make sure to check out the Detroit Red Wings team page here: https://dobberprospects.com/team/detroit-red-wings/

To view past 32s go here: https://dobberprospects.com/category/feature/32-in-32-series/

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Since making the playoffs for 25 consecutive seasons from 1991-2016, the Detroit Red Wings have now missed them for nine straight years, which sets a franchise record. Having a record of 39-35-8 this past season, they came just five points short of a playoff berth. Although the real heartbreak was from two seasons ago where they didn’t make it due to a tie-breaker, this season was still a disappointing one nonetheless. After back-to-back seasons of being in the mix but ultimately falling short, Yzerman addressed a big concern this off-season: Goaltending. On June 28th, the Red Wings traded for John Gibson which brings in a bonafide starting goalie allowing Cossa and Augustine to develop at their own pace. They also added van Riemsdyk, Appleton and Bernard-Docker to shape up a much more complete lineup than in the past years, but is it enough? Patience has always been the key for Yzerman, but how much more patient can they be as they look to avoid going a decade straight without any post-season action. 

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NHL Draft Recap 

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. 

Round 2, 44th Overall: Eddie Genborg, RW 

Genborg demonstrates modern day flashes of a power-forward but also takes pride in his 200-foot game. At 6-2 and weighing in at around 205 pounds, he uses his body to his advantage whether it’s on the forecheck or as a net-front presence. Most of his goals this year came from the slot or directly in front of the net. On powerplays, he establishes himself to screen goalies but also kicks out to the bumper position as an option. I had a chance to watch him play last week at the World Junior Summer Showcase and he is as advertised. Genborg had a great tournament. He made his presence felt by throwing massive hits and contributed to the scoresheet as well. I saw him make very good defensive plays by getting his stick in lanes to disrupt cycles and backchecking hard to not allow any odd-man opportunities. 

Genborg started the year at the J20 junior level in Sweden but after dominating and scoring over a point-per-game, he quickly got called up to play in the SHL. There, his totals were not the best contributing only two goals in 28 games but he adapted well and didn’t look out of place. He’s returning to the SHL next season where he could gain some confidence and I expect his numbers to increase significantly. With his size, skill and defensive game, I could see Genborg blossom into a long-term middle-six forward at the NHL level. 

Round 3, 75th Overall: Michal Pradel, G 

After spending some time last season in Slovakia, Pradel made his way over to Tri-City to play for the Storm in the USHL. There, he put up a 9-4 record across 14 games which included a .899 SV% and a 2.41 GAA. In his playoff debut, he stopped 34 of 36 shots. He’s a tall goalie coming in at around 6-5 and looks massive in between the pipes. He challenges shots to cut off scoring angles, has a knack to fight through screens and tracks the puck extremely well. He’s a very calm goalie and doesn’t panic when he allows a big rebound or when he gets caught out of position. With Augustine and Cossa knocking at the door to start in Detroit, Pradel doesn’t have to rush his development. He’s still years away and he’ll need some seasoning before making the jump to pro hockey. 

Round 4, 109th Overall: Brent Solomon, RW 

Putting up 38 goals over 28 games in High-School, it’s clear that Solomon is a natural goal scorer. Despite playing only eight games in the USHL at the end of the season, he quickly transitioned his game over and was able to put up four goals and six points. He has very impressive scoring instincts.Solomon positions himself to take one-timers, he loves to shoot the puck and he’ll get to the dirty areas to bury rebounds. Although Solomon is known for his shooting, he also understands the game and plays well off his line mates. 

He’s committed to University of Wisconsin for the 2026-27 season so a full year of development in the USHL will do Solomon some good. He has the tools to find the back of the net but only time will tell his success rate as he progresses his career outside of High-School hockey. 

Round 4, 119th Overall: Michal Svrcek, LW 

To grab Svrcek in the 4th round is very good value for the Red Wings. He played in Sweden last season. He ended the year in the SHL after putting up a point-per-game with the J20 team. He impressed at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup putting up four points (three goals, one assist) in four games and backed up his play at the U18 World Junior Championship scoring two big goals in a bronze medal game against the United-States. 

Svrcek has a very high motor and applies tons of pressure while forechecking. Although his numbers didn’t pop at the SHL level, his involvement and pace of play is what made him noticeable. He rarely takes a shift off and brings constant energy night in and night out. It’s hard to find a player with that type of drive, but Svrcek has it. He needs to round out his game, especially on the defensive side of the puck but he is a player coaches would love on an energy line at the pro level. 

Round 5, 140th Overall: Nikita Tyurin, LHD 

Detroit grabbed a smooth skating, puck-moving defenseman in Tyurin from Russia. Playing for Spartak Moskova in the MHL, he put up 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 50 games. He’s not the biggest defenseman (6-0, 175 pounds), but he sees the ice really well and his agility allows him to defend effectively by cutting off lanes, closing gaps and getting sticks on pucks. Tyurin has the elusiveness to shake forecheckers, make a great outlet pass and join the rush. When the puck is on his stick, he slows the game down and often connects with open teammates. Tyurin’s contract in Russia expires at the end of the 2027 season which gives him time to develop over there before making decisions about his future. 

Round 6, 172nd Overall: Will Murphy, LHD 

Murphy knows his identity as a player. Standing at 6-4, weighing just over 200 pounds, he’s known for his physicality and defensive prowess. He spent this latest season in the QMJHL playing for the Eagles in Cape Breton where he put up four points (two goals, two assists) in 54 games, but let’s be honest, he wasn’t drafted for his offensive numbers. Murphy makes his presence known along the boards, in battles and when defending the front of his net. He loves throwing his weight around and takes pride in his role on a team. 

Round 7, 204th Overall: Grayden Robertson-Palmer, C 

The lone centreman drafted by Detroit this year, Robertson-Palmer put up 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists) in 30 games for Phillips Academy in Andover (USHS-Prep). He also spent time this year playing with NV River Rats 18U AAA, where he put up 23 points (five goals, 18 assists) in 24 games. There’s no doubt Robertson-Palmer is a pass-first playmaker. He also has an impressive ability to protect the puck and shrug off defenders to open up lanes for his linemates. Committed to Dartmouth College (NCAA) for the 2026-2027 season, it’ll be interesting to see what he can do at the collegiate level. 

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Off-Season Moves 

Incoming 

John Gibson, G – Acquired via trade for Petr Mrazek, a 2026 4th round pick and a 2027 2nd round pick 

Jacob Bernard Docker, RD (1 x $875K) 

James van Riemsdyk, LW (1 x $1M) 

Mason Appleton, RW (2 x $2.9M) 

John Leonard, LW (1 x $775K) 

Ian Mitchell, RD (1 x $775K) 

Outgoing 

Petr Mrazek, G – Traded with a 2026 4th round pick and a 2027 2nd round pick for John Gibson 

Vladimir Tarasenko, LW – signed with MIN 

Alex Lyon, G – Signed with BUF 

Jeff Petry, RHD – Signed with FLA 

Eemil Viro, LHD – Signed in the SHL

Re-Signed 

Patrick Kane, RW (1 x $3M) 

Jonatan Berggren, LW (1 x $1.825M)

Albert Johansson, LD (2 x $1.125M)

Elmer Soderblom, LW (2 x $1.125M)

William Lagesson, LD (2 x $775K) 

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In the System 

Risers 

Axel Sandin-Pellikka, RHD (17th overall in 2023) 

Sandin-Pellikka spent the last two seasons in the SHL where he put up phenomenal numbers as a teenager. During his 2023-24 season, his accolades speak for themselves; capturing an SHL Championship, winning the Salming Trophy as the best Swedish born defenseman and earning the Best Defenseman honors at the World Junior Championship after putting up six points in seven games. 

His 2024-25 season was even better. Sandin-Pellikka led all junior SHL defenseman in scoring putting up 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) in 46 games which is nearly unheard of at this level considering his age. He backed up his play at the World Juniors yet again tallying 10 points in seven games and won Best Defenseman of the tournament for the second year in a row. 

Sandin-Pellikka is an offensive-defenseman. He has very soft hands in tight and has an elite ability to walk the blue line and shake pressuring wingers to create scoring threats. He has great vision and often finds cross-ice seams to thread the puck to teammates. He has the full tool-kit to be lethal in the offensive zone under any circumstance and is the type of player to make you pay for it. Standing at 5-11, Sandin Pellikka is not the most physical defenseman but also doesn’t shy away from that side of the game. His high-end hockey IQ allows him to defend with good positioning and a good stick. Although he has impressive mobility with his edges, Sandin Pellikka could use some work on his straight-line skating speed if he wants to excel at the NHL level. He projects as a top-four defenseman that could come into the league, run a first powerplay unit, and be good at it. It wouldn’t hurt him to gain some experience at the AHL level but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a Red Wings sweater as early as this upcoming season. 

Axel Sandin-Pellikka snaking his way through the opposition. Those hands are filthy, very, very filthy.
As a #LGRW fan you have to love what you are seeing here.pic.twitter.com/tgvxH2nxy6

— Lars Thorsell (@LarsThorsell) November 19, 2023

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW (15th overall in 2024) 

I love Brandsegg-Nygard’s game. 

A physical forechecking winger that can score, how could you not love it? He’s a nightmare for defensemen. He forechecks with intent to get the puck or separate you from it. He doesn’t shy away from any battle and constantly works hard. But, the thing that impresses me the most about him is his shot. Whether it’s taking a one-timer on the powerplay or wristing one off the rush, Brandsegg-Nygard shoots extremely hard and accurately. At 6-1 and around 200 pounds, he already has the body of a pro. His frame allows him to have that bite in his game where I see him being an extremely effective middle-six forward in the NHL. 

Brandsegg-Nygard spent the year in the SHL where his stats might mislead you from his actual play. He put up 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 42 games for Skelleftea as a 19 year-old. Despite the low totals, his tenacity and his desire to shoot the puck (like 4-5 times per game) made him very noticeable. He’s put up good numbers internationally with Norway over the years and finished this season in the AHL where he put up three points (two goals, one assist) in three playoff games for the Griffins. I don’t see him starting the year with the Red Wings but he could be an early call up if he picks up where he left off last season. 

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (2024, 1st round, #15) presents himself in the Skellefteå AIK jersey, with a one-timer goal in the first preseason game #LGRW pic.twitter.com/nvs7b8pkHx

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) August 16, 2024

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. 

It's not easy to get one from Dmitry Buchelnikov.#KHLMoments pic.twitter.com/Sbtf6qNExK

— KHL (@khl_eng) July 9, 2025

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Fallers 

Sebastian Cossa, G (15th overall in 2021) 

The battle between Cossa and Augustine seems to finally have a projected winner. It was not so long ago fans wondered who would become the next starting goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings. After drafting Cossa 15th overall in 2021, the Wings drafted another highly-touted goalie in Augustine in the 2nd round in 2023. Following a very good rookie season in the AHL, Cossa seems to have taken a step back this year. He had ups and downs last season. He fought the puck often which led to some bad goals and his five-hole continues to be a known weakness for him. By no means is Cossa a bust but he has some work to do if he wants to beat out Augustine who looks to be a complete stud. 

William Wallinder, LHD (32nd overall in 2020) 

Drafted five years ago, I do believe the Red Wings anticipated having Wallinder in the lineup much sooner, being an early second round pick. After seasoning for a couple years in the SHL post draft, he played the last two seasons in North America with the Griffins. There’s no doubt Wallinder is a talented player that skates exceptionally well and towers over others standing at 6-4. But, he has struggled to find consistency at the pro level. He’s not overly talented offensively so he needs to work on his defensive game to have an impact regularly. I still have faith Wallinder could play in the NHL but he needs to work on reading the play better and make faster decisions under pressure. 

Likely to see NHL action 

– Axel Sandin-Pellikka 

– Nate Danielson 

– Carter Mazur 

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Top 20 Prospects 

This section is intended to paint a picture of the Detroit Red Wings prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL. Arrival date and NHL certainty have been taken into consideration; however, potential upside is the most important factor in determining this list. 

1. Axel Sandin-Pellikka (17th – 2023) 
2. Marco Kasper (8th – 2022) 
3. Carter Bear (13th – 2025) 
4. Trey Augustine (41st – 2023) 
5. Nate Danielson (9th – 2023) 
6. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (15th – 2024) 
7. Sebastian Cossa (15th – 2021) 
8. Dmitri Buchelnikov (52nd – 2022) 
9. Carter Mazur (70th – 2021) 
10. Max Plante (47th – 2024) 
11. Shai Buium (36th – 2021) 
12. William Wallinder (32nd – 2020) 
13. Amadeus Lombardi (113th – 2022) 
14. Jesse Kiiskinen (68th – 2023) 
15. Emmitt Finnie (201st – 2023) 
16. Dylan James (40th – 2022) 
17. Ondrej Becher (80th – 2024) 
18. Antti Tuomisto (35th – 2019) 
19. Noah Dower Nilsson (73rd – 2023) 
20. Red Savage (114th – 2021)

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Projected lineup 2025-2026 

LW	C	RW
*van Riemsdyk	Larkin	Raymond
Debrincat	Kasper	Kane
Copp	Compher	*Appleton
Soderblom	Rasmussen	Berggren

LD	RD
Edvinsson  Chiarot  Johansson	Seider  Sandin Pellikka* Bernard-Docker

G

*Gibson

Talbot

* = New addition 

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Final Thoughts 

Writing this in early August, it’s hard to give my final thoughts on this upcoming season as I do think Yzerman has another move up his sleeve before this roster hits the ice in October. But, with a stacked Atlantic division and if no additional moves are made, I don’t see the Detroit Red Wings making the playoffs. That being said, a positive outlook on this year would be to develop and let their young prospects play. Under McLellan, Marco Kasper proved he can produce if given the opportunity. If others like Danielson, Mazur and Sandin-Pellikka follow suit, the Red Wings could be a very dangerous team in the near future. 

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Make sure to check out the Detroit Red Wings team page here: https://dobberprospects.com/team/detroit-red-wings/

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Stay tuned for more 32-in-32 Summer Series posts before the start of the season. Be sure to turn on post notifications for great articles coming all year long here at Dobber Prospects. 

I’m excited to cover OHL prospects monthly this upcoming season so cheers to the new season! 

If you want to see me rant about hockey on Twitter/X, you can follow me personally – @AlforqueE 

‘Til next time, Emmanuel Alforque