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Detroit Red Wings Updated Top 10 Prospects - Feb. 24 2025 - Vol. 78, Issue 08 - Bob Duff

THE FRUITS OF GM Steve Yzerman’s labor are beginning to blossom. Six of the draft picks Detroit has made since Yzerman took over as GM of the club in 2019 are now wearing the Winged Wheel. Lucas Raymond (4th overall in 2020) and Marco Kasper (8th in ’22) skate on the top line with captain Dylan Larkin. Moritz Seider (6th in ’19) and Simon Edvinsson (6th in ’21) are top-four D-men. Beyond them, Albert Johansson (60th in ’19) has been playing alongside Edvinsson, and massive winger Elmer Soderblom (159th in ’19) was summoned in late January from AHL Grand Rapids for his second NHL look.

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1 AXEL SANDIN-PELLIKKA

D, 19, 5-11, 176 lbs

Skelleftea (Swe.)

2023 draft, 17th overall

OVERALL 9

The slick Swede was named top D-man at the WJC for the second year in a row, joining Wings icon Slava Fetisov as the only blueliners to do so in tournament history. He led Swedish League ‘D’ in scoring before leaving for Ottawa. Sandin-Pellikka can carry the puck up ice, run a PP and create chances with quick movement and passing skills. “He looks like a talented young defenseman,” Yzerman said. “He’s playing in the Swedish Elite League, which is a very good league, doing well.”

2 NATE DANIELSON

C, 20, 6-1, 190

Grand Rapids (AHL)

2023 draft, 9th overall

OVERALL 31

It took Danielson some time to find his footing as a first-year pro. He called it a big adjustment and said it took “five or six” games to feel normal. Detroit brass loves his 200-foot game. “He does everything right, and it shows in the way he handles himself and his maturity,” assistant player development director Dan Cleary said. Pat Kane, too, offered high praise: “A lot of skill. Kind of reminds me a little bit of (Connor) Bedard, the way he plays and the way he stickhandles and shoots.”

Could Nate Danielson Make Red Wings Main Roster? The Red Wings could take a similar approach to other contenders by placing young talent in top-six roles.

3 TREY AUGUSTINE

G, 20, 6-1, 194

Michigan State (Big Ten)

15-5-3, 2.07, .926

2023 draft, 41st overall

OVERALL 46

Augustine has helped lead Michigan State back to prominence and starred at the WJC, backstopping the U.S. to a second straight gold. He also played for his nation at the senior worlds last year against NHLers as a 19-year-old. The mature stopper is known for his unflappable nature and consistency. “When I watch Trey, he gives me a lot of confidence,” Cleary said. “He’s got a great demeanor about him. He’s got a calm, cool demeanor but competitive. That fire burns inside him.”

4 MICHAEL BRANDSEGG-NYGARD

RW, 19, 6-1, 198

Skelleftea (Swe.)

2024 draft, 15th overall

OVERALL 48

Detroit wanted to fast-track ‘MBN’ to play with AHL Grand Rapids this season, but he returned to the SHL. He was sensational for Norway at last year’s worlds while playing on the top line with Mats Zuccarello and Patrick Thoresen. Brandsegg-Nygard’s quick release makes him dangerous around the net. “He’s kind of known as a shooter, but he’s a very smart player,” Grand Rapids center Amadeus Lombardi said. “He makes smart, nifty passes.” He’s also very willing to use his size to punish foes.

5 SEBASTIAN COSSA

G, 22, 6-7, 220

Grand Rapids (AHL)

15-9-3, 2.25, .917

2021 draft, 15th overall

OVERALL 69

In his second full AHL year, Cossa has become a go-to goalie, earning selection to the AHL All-Star Game. “He reads plays well, and he can use his hands,” crease mate Ville Husso said. Cossa’s massive frame fills the net and lets him battle through screens. Cossa got his first taste of NHL action in a winning effort this year. He is a confident netminder who carries himself with swagger. “A lot of composure,” Wings blueliner Moritz Seider said. “I think he lives for those kinds of opportunities.”

Red Wings Could Be Dark Horse in Mason McTavish Sweepstakes The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a> present the most compelling offer for Anaheim RFA Mason McTavish: offering a larger role, a competitive salary, and a spot on a team built to contend.

6 CARTER MAZUR

LW, 22, 6-0, 188

Grand Rapids (AHL)

2021 draft, 70th overall

Undersized winger plays with ferocity but has also struggled to stay healthy.

7 DMITRI BUCHELNIKOV

LW, 21, 5-10, 163

Vityaz Moscow Region (KHL)

2022 draft, 52nd overall

Skilled winger leads his team in scoring. Selected to KHL All-Star Game.

8 EMMITT FINNIE

C, 19, 6-1, 191

Kamloops (WHL)

2023 draft, 201st overall

Late pick quickly earned NHL deal. Strong skater plays a complete game. Born leader.

9 MAX PLANTE

LW, 19, 5-11, 180

Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

2024 draft, 47th overall

Tremendous hockey sense. Moves the puck really well. Very deceptive skater.

10 ELMER SODERBLOM

LW, 23, 6-8, 248

Grand Rapids (AHL)

2019 draft, 159th overall

Hulking winger uses size to protect the puck. Learning to be more physical.

James van Riemsdyk Excited To Join Former USA Teammate Patrick Kane With Red Wings As one of the more active teams in free agency during the offseason, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a> have brought in multiple new players that will suit up for them in the upcoming 2025-26 NHL Season.

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