Detroit Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Detroit Red Wings, NHL or NHLPA

DETROIT HOCKEY INSIDER


With Patrick Kane's retirement looming, his replacement is already in the Red Wings organization


PUBLICATION
Julien Trekker
October 15, 2025  (7:16 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY
FOLLOW US

Oct 8, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs held a moment of silence for Ken Dryden prior to the start of a game against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Patrick Kane's replacement could already be within the Detroit Red Wings organization, according to the latest reports.

The three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane re-signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings during the offseason ahead of his 19th NHL season.
At 36 years old, there's no doubt that the player won't be in the league for many more years. However, as of now, he's having a great season with the Wings so far.
After three games, the veteran has four points, including one goal.
Although he can still bring an impact to the lineup, in Detroit, people are starting to think about what's coming and who could fill his role if he decides to sign elsewhere or simply retire from the NHL.
In a new report, his potential replacement was named.

Patrick Kane's Replacement Emerges: He's Already A Member Of The Detroit Red Wings

Kane has had an amazing career, establishing himself as one of the United States' best players of all time.
Replacing him won't be an easy task, but according to a report, the Wings could already have drafted him.
Indeed, the Wings legend and current KHL coach Sergei Fedorov mentioned that Dmitri Buchelnikov could have what it takes to have a big offensive impact on the team.
Here's what he had to say about the Red Wings' second-round pick in 2022:
"Nicest guy ever. Very talented. He's one of the top six here. Most of the time, they start the game with their line."

"He's not thin, but he's certainly not very tall. Yeah, he's a small forward."

"The hockey we play, it's men's hockey. It's responsible hockey."

"Yeah, he's a goal scorer, definitely. He's one of those. He can make a play, too. Make a couple of passes. So offensively, really no problem. He will get his probably 20, 30 goals here, I hope, because he plays power play almost every game (and gets) three, four chances."

In 14 games played for the Moscow CSKA in the KHL this season, the 22-year-old 5-foot-10 winger tallied nine points, including five goals, which is impressive for a player his age in the KHL.
To say he could replace Kane seems far-fetched, and putting those expectations on his shoulders even before his arrival in North America doesn't seem like the right move to help him with the pressure of the NHL.
POLL
OCTOBRE 15   |   288 ANSWERS
With Patrick Kane's retirement looming, his replacement is already in the Red Wings organization

Do you think Dmitri Buchelnikov will play in the NHL next season?

Yes20571.2 %
No8328.8 %
List of polls

DETROIT HOCKEY INSIDER
COPYRIGHT @2025 • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS OF SERVICE  ·  PRIVACY POLICY  ·  COOKIE POLICY
RSS FEED  ·  SITEMAP  ·  ROBOTS.TXT