Detroit: With plenty of attention paid to top prospects such as Axel Sandin Pellikka & Nate Danielson, a potential budding superstar in Russia is somewhat overlooked. That player is forward Dmitri Buchelnikov, the Wings second-round pick (52nd overall) in the 2022 draft. Buchelnikov tallied 54 points (15G 39A) in 65 games with CSKA Moscow of the KHL last season, and is under contract with the club through 2025-26. Many expect Buchelnikov will don the Winged wheel next season provided he has another productive season in the KHL.
Buffalo: Trade rumors continue to circulate around forward Isak Rosen (BUF 2021 draft, 1st round 14th overall). Despite a productive three-year stint in the AHL, he has yet to experience much success at the NHL level (1 assist in 15 NHL games), and his offensive mind does not appear to make him well-suited for a bottom-six role. With right wingers Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Jack Quinn/Jiri Kulich occupying the top three spots in the lineup, the Sabres very well may seek to find Rosen a new home.
Forward Konsta Helenius (BUF 2024 draft, 1st round 14th overall) also is competing for a roster spot with the big club, but faces the same stiff competition as Rosen as a right winger. Although many NHL analysts expect to see him with the Sabres soon, he may be on the outside looking in for the time being.
Winnipeg: Widely considered the Jets’ top college prospect, forward Zachary Nehring (WPG 2023 draft, 3rd round 82nd overall) recently completed a successful freshman campaign for national champ Western Michigan University. Nehring had 30 points in 42 games for the Broncos on 13 goals and 17 assists, and has not expressed any displeasure with the Jets’ organization. However, there are many in Winnipeg who feel this will escalate into a McGroarty-type situation where Nehring refuses to sign an entry-level deal when presented with one. That may not come to fruition, as the Jets have numerous forward prospects of a similar age possibly forcing the Jets to move Nehring before such a refusal occurs.
Los Angeles: The fact that the Kings have not signed D-man Henry Brzustewicz (LAK 2025 draft, 1st round 31st overall) has fueled speculation that he will leave London of the OHL to play college hockey. Brzustewicz has made no such statement, and continues to prepare for his attendance at the Kings’ main camp.