Russian phenom leaves KHL club to join the Detroit Red Wings
Photo credit: Elite Prospects
A Russian phenom is set to leave his KHL club to join the Detroit Red Wings, per a new report.
The Detroit Red Wings could get some welcomed reinforcements over the offseason. Indeed, according to the latest reports, the Wings' 2nd round pick at the 2022 NHL Draft, Dmitry Buchelnikov, could be leaving the KHL to join the Red Wings organization.
Russian outlet Sports Express wrote:
"Vityaz forward Dmitry Buchelnikov may leave (the) KHL if the Moscow Region club withdraws from the next season.
The 21-year-old hockey player's contract (with Vityaz) is for one more season, and he is considering the option of continuing his career with Detroit, which owns his NHL rights."
The 21-year-old hockey player's contract (with Vityaz) is for one more season, and he is considering the option of continuing his career with Detroit, which owns his NHL rights."
Although Buchelnikov has another year on his KHL contract, his team, Vityaz, could be out of the KHL for the next season, meaning that he could come to Detroit sooner than expected.
The player never shied away from being honest about his intentions to play in the NHL and his motivation to wear the Red Wings' logo:
"Everyone understands that the NHL is a special league. The best players in the world are gathered there, and every guy dreams of playing there at least a season. Yes, at least one match."
Buchelnikov is even ready to play in the AHL, for the Grand Rapids Griffins, if he has to:
"I'm ready for everything, for any challenges. It's not a problem for me (if) I'll have to play for the farm club. That's how it should be."
He spent the last season on a line with Derek Barach, an American. He took the opportunity to work on his English with him to ease the transition to North America:
"Of course, we communicate in English. I am learning the language and constantly getting direct practice with a native speaker. I am progressing in this regard as well. It is great."
The Red Wings prospect appeared in 64 games last season, scoring 15 goals and a franchise-high tally of 39 assists.
He was also selected to play in the KHL All-Star Game, and won the skating competition at the skills event.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 4 | 110 ANSWERS Russian phenom leaves KHL club to join the Detroit Red Wings Do you think Dmitry Buchelnikov will play with the Detroit Red Wings next season? | ||
| Yes | 59 | 53.6 % |
| No | 51 | 46.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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