Dmitri Buchelnikov

December 2024 – Buchelnikov looks to be on a star trajectory after going nearly a point per game over the first 30 games of his second KHL campaign. That represents a significant increase over his first year in Russia’s top league at age 20. He has another year on his contract overseas, so barring a Michkov-like buyout, he will likely make his North American debut in 2026-2027 as a 22-year-old. At that point, he would have a good shot at making the Wings, where he should provide a dynamic playmaking presence with similar upside to Vegas’ Pavel Dorofeyev and Detroit teammate Jonatan Berggren. Take advantage if his owner in your keeper league gets restless with the wait time. Ben Gehrels

August 2024 – The Wings swung for the fences in 2022 by selecting the high-octane Buchelnikov after he destroyed the Russian junior league to the tune of 75 points in 56 games. That is 1.34 points per game, only slightly behind Nikita Kucherov’s exceptional mark of 1.41 at the same age. He then performed admirably in the country’s second-tier pro league before graduating to the KHL this year, where he was again among his team’s leading scorers. He recently signed a two-year contract to remain in Russia with high-powered SKA-St. Petersburg, a move that would give him regular exposure to elite prospects Matvei Michkov (PHI), Ivan Demidov (2024), and Alexander Nikishin (CAR). It looks like a big 2024-25 is coming for Buchelnikov, which would mean a much higher profile (and price) in fantasy. Ben Gehrels

May 2023 – The 19-year old prospect appeared in 10 games with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL this season, registering a goal and an assist. He earned the honor as top forward playing for them in the preseason KHL Sochi tournament. Metaratings is reporting that the SKA prospect will go to Lada for the upcoming 2023-24 KHL season – Evan Sabourin

August 2022 – Buchelnikov has excellent speed and stick handling. He was clearly a step ahead of MHL competition scoring 75 points in 56 games. He helped his team win the MHL championship with 14 points in nine games. Because of the Russian conflict with Ukraine, no Russians were allowed at the U18 world junior championships or world championships, so we didn’t get to see how Buchelnikov would have done if invited. Buchelnikov needs to show his scoring prowess against professional competition, which should happen at either the VHL or KHL level next season. If he can translate his game to the higher level, he could end up looking like a steal at 52nd overall. He wouldn’t be the first Red Wings draft pick with this moniker. Victor Nuño