After shocking the hockey world ahead of Day Two of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings made two second-round selections.
With the 40th pick, Detroit selected left-winger Dylan James from Sioux City of the United States Hockey League. James, 6’0 181 pounds, had a great rookie season in the USHL, scoring 28 goals and 33 assists in 62 games. James was named the USHL’s Rookie of the Year with his regular-season performance. James added another five goals and three assists in ten playoff games, helping the Musketeers win the Clark Cup.
James is committed to the University of North Dakota for the 2022-23 season, which will allow him to develop over four years before needing to turn pro.
The Red Wings selected Russian-born forward Dmitri Buchelnikov with the 52nd overall pick.
The 5’10 168 pound left-winger was draft-eligible in 2021 but went undrafted. Buchelnikov had a breakout season with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg of the MHL. In 52 games, Buchelnikov scored 41 goals and 34 assists, which was second in the entire league. In nine playoff games, Buchelnikov dominated, scoring nine goals and five assists.
Despite strong numbers this past season, public rankings had Buchelnikov ranked significantly later in the draft. His biggest asset is his shot, which he loves to use, if he can add some size over time, he could be a worthwhile gamble.
With Detroit stocking up their defensive pipeline over the past few drafts, it seems the Red Wings made it a point to target forwards with high upside early.
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