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Top Russian NHL prospect talks about joining the Detroit Red Wings
Photo credit: HC Vityaz
The Detroit Red Wings and russian hockey players have a storied history, and CSKA Moskva (KHL) forward Dmitri Buchelnikov could be the next one to add to the team's books as he makes the decision whether or not to join the Red Wings organization.
The Detroit Red Wings wrote the book on acquiring and winning with Russian hockey players.
They began their risky endeavours building the "Russian Five", which would result in multiple Stanley Cups during their tenure. Followed later down the road by Russian wizard, Pavel Datsyuk, with the magic hands.
Datsyuk would wear the winged wheel for 14 seasons, and hope their next Russian-born player will be the next prospect who elevates the club to the next level.
Buchelnikov was selected 52nd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft and will be entering the next season, not wearing a Griffins' crest, or the winged wheel, but his KHL club's jersey.
He'll be joining CSKA Moskva, and recently admitted to Nadezhda Tonkonog of the Russian network Sport-24 that he remains in contact with the Detroit Red Wings through Nikolai Vakurov, the team's Russian scout.
While he won't be joining the NHL anytime soon, we can expect him to continue his development for another year.
"It all depends on my game, how I will perform,» Buchelnikov said. «If I understand that I am approaching this level, that I can compete and, most importantly, win this competition, then, of course, I will think about it. But now I'm in Russia, I still have a year of contract, and I just have to think about getting into the top 6 here and showing everything with my play."
Buchelnikov may not be NHL-ready just yet, as he remains under contract with CSKA Moskva for another year.
Last season, he played with the HC Vityaz Podolsk before he was dealt to the CSKA Moskva. Buchelnikov scored 39 points (15-25) in 65 games last season with Vityaz Podolsk.
NHL fans will require patience before we can see how Buchelnikov will fare in the league compared to Matvei Michkov (Flyers), and Ivan Demidov (Canadiens), who have taken the league by storm.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 9 | 121 ANSWERS Top Russian NHL prospect talks about joining the Detroit Red Wings When do you think forward Dmitri Buchelnikov, a Detroit Red Wings prospect, will turn pro? | ||
| 2026-27 | 66 | 54.5 % |
| 2027-28 | 55 | 45.5 % |
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