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Detroit’s Prospect Tournament Is a Lot More Important This Year

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The Prospect Tournament signals a return to hockey

For hockey fans, it has been a very long and very quiet summer. The Red Wings made a few roster changes, but the team looks very similar to last season. The team will need to find star power in its prospect pool again this year.  This Saturday will be the first audition for some important players.  The Red Wings prospects team will fly to Texas to play against the Dallas Stars prospects.

Detroit will be showcasing at least four players that are looking to break into the NHL. Fans should be excited for the opportunity to watch this lineup compete.  

Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Shai Buium

This year will be the first full season in North America for Axel Sandin-Pellikka. There isn’t another prospect with the kind of resume that ASP has put together since his draft in 2023. ASP looks to be the most gifted offensive defenseman in Detroit’s system. His mission has been to add muscle to his frame and intensity to his game. 

Shai Buium took a big step forward with his playing last season in Grand Rapids.  Buium’s 27 points (2G 25a) ranked 8th for the Griffins, and second among defensemen. Buium’s skating and physicality were a big part of his game and fill a void for Detroit’s roster. He may be a sleeper candidate to grab an NHL job this season.  

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Nate Danielson

There will be three former first round picks at the forward position, and two are eyeing roster spots in Detroit. Carter Bear, Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. Bear is an exciting addition, but not likely to grab a place this season. Both MBN and Danielson are open about their goals for the preseason. 

Nate Danielson is my top contender at the forward position heading into camp this year. Danielson’s 2 way game is simply the best in Grand Rapids right now. He can play at either center or wing, and has the speed and skill needed to compete. Danielson could well repeat what Marco Kasper accomplished last season. 

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has been very vocal about his goals for this year. The physical winger showed glimpses last year of why Detroit drafted him. His three points in three games in the playoffs had all the attributes of what the Red Wings need in a winger. Physical play, quick release and the ability to get in front of the net. 

How to watch the game:

You can read more about the upcoming game here.  The 2025 NHL Prospect Games vs. Dallas will be streamed live on DetroitRedWings.com and the Detroit Red Wings App.  The games will be played Saturday, Sept. 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET, before meeting again on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Home › Forums › Detroit’s Prospect Tournament Is a Lot More Important This Year

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  • September 8, 2025 at 1:39 pm #25850
    Jlaura76
    Participant

    The Detroit Red Wings need to find more breakout candidates in their prospect pool this year. The tournament in Texas is a key early test.

    [See the full post at: Detroit’s Prospect Tournament Is a Lot More Important This Year]

    September 8, 2025 at 9:06 pm #25934
    mcmastermike1968
    Participant

    Definitely going to watch the games. Very onterested to watch Bear, but more focused on ASP & MBN. Seems like, aside from Buium, Wally, and Danielson, they’re the kids most folks feel can make the jump. I’d say the simple fact is that whatever we see in camp and the Rookie could determine moves at the TDL & in UFA. The way ahead really seems to hinge on how these camps turn out, is that a fair statement?

    To have MBN and Kasper playing together, even if not on the same lines, would be a huge boost. I read a write-up that we’re the least physical team, and that needs to change. If you watch FLA play, their level of physicality far exceeds the vast majority of any teams in the SCPO. They dominated the ice. We have pretty good size, and there’s no reason why we don’t grind more. Ras is a big guy, hits hard, but is disappointing on the score-sheet. It’s not just height, but how gritty we play especially down low. Opposing teams don’t routinely pay the price going low or net-front. Again, that’s got to change.

    We shall see soon emough!!

    September 9, 2025 at 3:19 pm #26127
    frenchtoto
    Participant

    Hi there,

    it will be a bit too late for me (2 or 3 am out here) so I hope to read a nice review of the games (with nice videos) !
    Everything’s coming back to NHL, a season which could see some surprises in Detroit, at least concerning the young ones. It has been so long waiting !
    I don’t know a lot about Buium, and I hope it will be a pleasant surprise (like Al J or Kasper).
    Talking about Mc David, if I can understand properly, it would not be before next year at the best (“if !”)? So we would probably lose Kane (I like him, especially with Debrincat but he is not getting younger) at the same time…
    And a +1 year for the young ones.
    Pleasant years are coming !

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