The Detroit Red Wings have many prospects currently playing in junior leagues, the NCAA, the AHL, and European leagues. How many of these prospects develop into NHL regulars and when they will arrive are questions that will start to be answered as early as this season.
With this large number of prospects, the future looks bright for the Detroit franchise.
Here is a look at five of the Red Wings’ prospects and their estimated ETA into the NHL.
Simon Edvinsson, LD
Simon Edvinsson recently had a disappointing WJC-20 while playing for Sweden. Edvinsson has all the tools to make an immediate impact at the NHL level. Detroit’s 6th overall pick from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft should start the season in Detroit, but with all the veteran additions the Red Wings have made on defense, he will likely begin the year in Grand Rapids (AHL). Expect Edvinsson to join the Red Wings at the trade deadline once the one-year contracts are moved in trades.
ETA: At the trade deadline in 2023
Jonatan Berggren, LW
Jonatan Berggren is easily the top forward prospect in the Detroit organization. After a terrific first year in North America, Berggren should challenge for a spot on the opening night roster. The only thing holding Berggren back is the fact that Detroit has a full roster of forwards, and Berggren needs to play in the middle-six to start his NHL career. Berggren will likely start the year in Grand Rapids (AHL) but will be the first forward recalled after an injury or trade of a regular forward.
ETA: 2022-2023
Sebastian Cossa, G
Sebastian Cossa is an intriguing option in goal for the Red Wings. He recently played one game for Canada at the WJC-20 championships in his hometown. Cossa will likely turn professional this year, but he is potentially blocked at both the NHL and AHL levels. Cossa may start the year in Grand Rapids (AHL) but may find his way to Toledo (ECHL) so that he gets a chance to play almost every night. Don’t expect Cossa any time soon. Goaltenders take longer than position players to establish themselves at the professional levels. Cossa will see action in the AHL this year, but he will likely not see NHL action until 2023 or 2024 at the earliest.
ETA: 2023-2024
Marco Kasper, C
Marco Kasper was a surprise pick at #8 in the most recent NHL Entry Draft. Kasper has already signed his entry-level contract but will start the year playing for Rogle in the SHL. Expect Kasper to make the move to North America once his SHL season is over. Don’t be surprised to see Kasper in a Red Wings uniform to start the 2023-2024 season.
ETA: 2023-2024
Albert Johansson, LD
After three seasons in the SHL, Albert Johansson will finally make the move to North America. Johansson will get a long look at training camp but will likely start the year in Grand Rapids (AHL). Once Johansson has found his footing on the smaller North American ice, he should be a lock to join the Red Wings at midseason.
ETA: At the trade deadline in 2023
Final Thoughts
By the end of this season, four of the top five players on this list will likely be full-time NHL regulars. The only player needing significant time to develop will be top goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa. The future looks bright for Detroit, but patience is the most important when these players are transitioned into NHL regulars.
