The Detroit Red Wings have several prospects who remain unsigned. This is the third in a series exploring the Red Wings’ unsigned prospects. Here is a look at the six centers that have yet to sign a contract with the Red Wings.
Theodor Niederbach
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2024
Theodor Niederbach was drafted in round 2, #51 overall, by Detroit in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, Niederbach played 51 regular season games for Frolunda HC (SHL) and scored nine goals, seven assists, 16 points, and a -1 rating. Niederbach scored the most goals by a junior-aged player in the SHL. Recently, Niederbach represented Sweden at the WJC-20, where he helped Sweden win the Bronze Medal. In seven games, he scored one goal, added three assists, and had a +2 rating. Niederbach decided he needed a change of scenery and will play for Rogle BK in the SHL this year.
Redmond Savage
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2025
Redmond “Red” Savage was drafted in round 4, #114 overall by Detroit in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, Savage was a freshman at Miami-Ohio University (NCAA). In 35 games, he scored six goals, ten assists, 16 points, and had a -10 rating. Recently, Savage played five games representing the USA at the WJC-20. Savage scored two goals, one assist, three points, and had a +5 rating. Savage will return for his sophomore season at Miami-Ohio (NCAA) this year.
Liam Dower Nilsson
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2025
Liam Dower Nilsson was drafted in round 5, #134 overall, by Detroit in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, Nilsson played most of the year with Frolunda HC in the J20 Nationell. In 34 regular season games, Nilsson scored 19 goals, 31 assists, 50 points, and had a +19 rating. Nilsson also played 10 games for Frolunda in the SHL. He is expected to play full-time for Frolunda in the SHL this year.
Amadeus Lombardi
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2024
Amadeus Lombardi was drafted in round 4, #113 overall, by Detroit in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, Lombardi was a rookie playing for Flint in the OHL. In 67 regular season games, he scored 18 goals, 41 assists, 59 points, and had a +9 rating. Lombardi also played in 19 playoff games, scoring seven goals, eight assists, and 15 points, and had a -4 rating. Lombardi will return to Flint (OHL) to play his final year of junior eligibility.
Brennan Ali
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2026
Brennan Ali was drafted in round 7, #212 overall by Detroit in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, Ali spent most of the season playing for Avon Old Farms (USHS-Prep). Ali played 27 games, scoring 15 goals, 19 assists, and 34 points. Ali also played nine games for Lincoln (USHL), picking up two assists. Ali will play full-time with Lincoln (USHL) this year before he moves to the University of Notre Dame (NCAA) for the 2023-2024 season.
Owen Mehlenbacher
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2026
Owen Mehlenbacher was drafted in round 7 #201 overall by Detroit in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, Mehlenbacher spent his second full season with Muskegon (USHL). In 56 games, Mehlenbacher scored 17 goals, 25 assists, 42 points, and a +12 rating. He also played nine playoff games, scoring four goals, four assists, and eight points, and had a -4 rating. Mehlenbacher will move to the University of Wisconsin (NCAA) and play as a freshman this year.
Final Thoughts
It will be interesting to see what centers are signed by Detroit as there are far more players than contracts available in the Red Wings organization. Detroit owns the rights of these six unsigned centers until at least June 2023. A decision must be made on several players following in 2024.
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