Comparing two potential breakout second round picks for the Red Wings in Dmitri Buchelnikov and Shai Buium.
Red Wings Prospect Emerging as Top Talent After Impressive KHL Pre-Season
Russian prospect for the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Red Wings</a> dazzles with three goals through KHL pre-season.
Russian winger Dmitri Buchelnikov is lighting up the KHL preseason with CSKA Moscow, showcasing exactly why he’s quickly becoming one of the Detroit Red Wings’ most exciting prospects. After being selected 52nd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Buchelnikov exploded in the 2024–25 season with Vityaz Moscow Region, tallying 15 goals and a staggering 39 assists for 54 points in 65 games, setting a new U22 assist record in the KHL and finishing second all-time in points at that age behind only Artemi Kaprizov, brother of Kirill. Buchelnikov’s rising stock has caught the attention of Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman, who continues to monitor the winger closely as he plays out his contract overseas.
Red Wings AHL Coach Tabs Buium As Emerging Standout in Detroit Pipeline
While <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Detroit </a>fans have their eyes on one top defensive prospect, AHL coaches suggest another may soon emerge and make a name for himself.
While Buchelnikov dazzles overseas, Detroit has another second-rounder developing steadily at home in defenseman Shai Buium. Selected 36th overall in 2021, Buium completed his first full AHL season with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2024–25, collecting 2 goals and 23 assists for 25 points in 67 games. Detroit AHL Head Coach Dan Watson praised Buium’s vision and puck-moving ability, stating he’s a player who could quarterback a power play and take on greater responsibility this year. AHL Assistant coach and former Red Wings defenseman Brian Lashoff echoed those sentiments, revealing he trusted Buium with "big minutes" during his rookie campaign and expects a strong leap forward this fall.
Who Will Become the Bigger Impact Player for Detroit? With both Dmitri Buchelnikov and Shai Buium developing on parallel timelines and both drafted in the second round, the question now turns to Red Wings fans: Which prospect do you believe will emerge as the more impactful NHL player? Let us know in the comments 👇🏼