The Detroit Red Wings have numerous left-wing prospects who remain unsigned. This is the fourth in a series exploring the Red Wings’ unsigned prospects. Here is a look at the eight left-wingers who have yet to sign a contract with the Red Wings.
Robert Mastrosimone
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2023
Robert Mastrosimone was drafted in the second round, 54th overall by Detroit in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, Mastrosimone was a junior playing at Boston University (NCAA). In 34 games, he scored 11 goals, 14 assists, 25 points, and had a +5 rating. Mastrosimone has transferred to Arizona State University (NCAA) for his final season of NCAA eligibility.
Carter Mazur
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2025
Detroit drafted Carter Mazur in the third round, 70th overall, in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Mazur is a right-shot who usually plays left-wing. Last season, Mazur was a freshman at the University of Denver (NCAA). He helped Denver win the National Championship. In 41 games, he scored 14 goals, 24 assists, 38 points, and had a +23 rating. Recently, Mazur represented the USA at the WJC-20. He placed second on the team in scoring. In five games, Mazur scored five goals, two assists, seven points, and had a +1 rating. Mazur will return to the University of Denver (NCAA) and play as a sophomore this year.
Dylan James
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2026
Dylan James was drafted in the second round, 40th overall by Detroit in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, James was a rookie playing for Sioux City in the USHL. He helped the Musketeers win the Clark Cup Championship. In 62 regular season games, he scored 28 goals, 33 assists, 61 points, and had a +18 rating. In 10 playoff games, James scored five goals, three assists, eight points, and had a +8 rating. James will attend the University of North Dakota (NCAA) as a freshman this year.
Dmitri Buchelnikov
Detroit Red Wings Rights: Indefinitely
Dmitri Buchelnikov was drafted in the second round, 52th overall, by Detroit in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He is a dynamic winger who may end up being the steal of the draft. Last season, Buchelnikov led SKA-1946 St. Petersburg to an MHL title. In 56 regular season games, he scored 41 goals, 34 assists, 75 points, and had a +33 rating. In nine playoff games, he scored nine goals, five assists, 14 points, and had a +9 rating. Buchelnikov has already started his season and will split the year between the MHL and KHL.
Kirill Tyutyayev
Detroit Red Wings Rights: Signed to AHL Contract
Kirill Tyutyayev was drafted in the seventh round, 190th overall, by Detroit in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Tyutyayev will play under an AHL-only contract with the Griffins for the second year in a row. Last season, Tyutyayev only played nine games for Grand Rapids (AHL) before he sustained a season-ending injury.
Chase Bradley
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2025
Detroit drafted Chase Bradley in the seventh round, 203th overall, in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, Bradley was a freshman at the University of Connecticut (NCAA). In 29 games, he scored four goals, five assists, nine points, and had a +5 rating. Bradley will return for his sophomore season at Connecticut this year.
Maximilian Kilpinen
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2026
Maximilian Kilpinen was drafted in the fourth round, 129th overall, by Detroit in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Kilpinen spent most of last season playing for Orebro HK in the J20 Nationell. In 27 regular season games, he scored 14 goals, 11 assists, 25 points, and had a +4 rating. Kilpinen helped Orebro to a J20 SM Bronze Medal. In six games, he scored four goals, five assists, nine points, and had a +8 rating. Kilpinen is expected to spend the entire season in the J20 Nationell this year.
Pasquale Zito
Detroit Red Wings Rights: June 2023
Pasquale Zito was drafted in the sixth round, 166th overall, by Detroit in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Zito is a versatile forward who can also play center. Last season, Zito served as an alternate captain with Windsor in the OHL. In 49 regular season games, he scored 22 goals, 20 assists, 42 points, and had a -5 rating. In 16 playoff games, Zito scored two goals, five assists, seven points, and a -2 rating. During the off-season, Zito was traded to Niagara (OHL) and will play his final season of junior eligibility for the IceDogs.
Final Thoughts
The Detroit Red Wings own the rights to these eight unsigned left-wingers until at least June 2023. A decision must be made on Mastrosimone and Zito by next June. A decision must also be made on several of the other players the following year. It will be interesting to see what left-wingers are signed by Detroit as there are far more players than contracts available in the Red Wings organization.
