Detroit is finally getting out of the “high draft pick” phase of the rebuild. With that, it’s a good time to review the upcoming core that they have put together with their slew of picks. Today, I’ll give my output on who I believe Detroit’s top 10 best prospects are and what I’ve seen from them.
- Axel Sandin-Pellikka
This one changes on the day for me. I don’t know what to expect from Sandin-Pellikka. Being another Hutson or Makar seems unreasonable, but expecting another Shane Gostisbehere doesn’t excite me too much. Where he falls on the ranking likely comes down to how you view upside. At his best, ASP could be the closest defenceman to Cale Makar, as none of their contemporaries shoot the puck as well as they do. At his worst, ASP will be a small, offensive, depth defenceman who is there to quarterback a power play.
- Nate Danielson
I think Danielson has some work to do, but the floor is high. Nate Danielson needs to become a lot more powerful. His shot and speed of passing are going to be very unthreatening at the NHL level. Danielson is competitive and is no doubt aware of this. If Danielson takes the offseason to put on some muscle, he projects to be really similar to Roope Hintz. Danielson is safer; at worst, he’s a speedy center who can keep the tempo up while he is on the ice. However, if he can get stronger, you’re looking at a potential first-line center.
- Sebastian Cossa
I get the excitement of Augustine, and from the rumours that have come out, Detroit won’t even pick up the phone on him. However, I still stand by that Cossa is better. Cossa is the only one of the two who is actually playing professional games. Cossa made the AHL all-star game and has an NHL-ready frame at 6’6″. Cossa is huge, athletic, competitive, and has a solid professional body of work to go off of. Until Trey Augustine does it against men, I’m taking the evil I know versus the evil I don’t.
- Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
MBN is the prototypical power forward that the league is trending towards. With Florida being the thesis of teambuilding right now, MBN seems like a guy who is cut from that cloth. MBN can check, shoot, and compete at a high level. While his SHL stats were a little disappointing, he was a point per game on a really bad Grand Rapids playoff run. Whether Brandsegg-Nygard becomes a top-line winger or a third-line winger, fans will love the effort he brings each night.
- Dmitri Buchelnikov
There is a case Buchelnikov could fly up to number one. He has a similar case to Sandin-Pellikka in the sense that they’re the only people as young as they are, doing as well as they are. Buchelnikov was 19th in league scoring in the KHL and won their fastest skater contest. If Buchelnikov makes it over, Detroit could have an elite Russian forward to take over for Patrick Kane on the second line wing.
- Trey Augustine
Augustine looks amazing, and the Red Wings brass seems to think so as well. When Edmonton called on him, they made it a non-starter, according to reports. Augustine has played for the USA in the world championships and was one of their best players at the world juniors. Overall, Augustine is mechanically sound and, despite his smaller frame, projects to be a solid NHL starter option. Think Joseph Woll for Augustine.
- Carter Bear
Bear seems like the main guy to shoot up the rankings after a season or two. Out of his draft, Bear seems like Marco Kasper with more offensive upside. The same grit, compete level, and defense that made Kasper work so well, but the offense seems to have more potential. He scored 40 goals in 56 games in the WHL in his draft year. While he’s still very young, the hype is undoubtedly there.
- Anton Johansson
If I’m being completely honest, Anton Johansson would be a lot higher for me. I understand there is some level of objectivity when it comes to prospects, and many sources have him below this. However, I disagree with those rankings. Anton Johansson is a huge, physical right-shot defenceman who is competent offensively. If Anton Johansson continues to pan out well, he, ASP, and Seider will form one of the best right sides in the NHL.
- Carter Mazur
Nothing against Mazur. I want him to be on the roster next season. He projects to be a great bottom-six grinder, and while that sounds bland, you need those kinds of guys. He competes and checks well and can give pretty solid offensive stats. Generally, my ranking of Mazur is spoiled by his limited upside and his brutal injury history. Hoping for the best for Mazur because all 32 teams would love a guy like him.
- Shai Buium
Buium is another one of those guys that every team needs. Buium is a smart, big, defensive defenseman who is growing on offense. His skating is one of his bigger concerns, but I don’t think he relies on it too much. His hockey IQ is fantastic, and I see no reason Buium won’t be a really solid bottom 4 left side defenceman in the future, again, something all 32 teams would love.
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