With the Detroit Red Wings firmly in the playoff hunt and battling for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, the spotlight has shifted away from the prospect pool this season. That’s a positive sign for a franchise emerging from years of rebuilding. Still, there’s plenty of exciting young talent on the horizon, with several players already knocking on the NHL door in Grand Rapids.
Halfway through the 2025-26 season, it’s the perfect time to check in on Detroit’s top 10 prospects. This ranking focuses on players under 23 (skaters) or 24 (goalies) who have yet to establish themselves in the NHL.
Key Takeaways from the Prospect Pool
The Red Wings boast impressive forward depth with a mix of skill, physicality, skating, and hockey IQ. While true superstar potential is uncertain, the group offers plenty of middle-six upside. On defense, Detroit has size and intriguing tools but could use more top-four left-shot potential. In goal, two premium prospects are pushing hard for NHL roles.
With the team in contention and several prospects nearing readiness, general manager Steve Yzerman may consider moving one or two at the trade deadline to address immediate needs.
Detroit’s Top 10 Prospects
1. Nate Danielson, C, Grand Rapids (AHL), Age 21
A true 200-foot center with size (6-foot-2), strong skating, playmaking, and defensive reliability, Danielson has all the tools to become a second-line pivot when he’s assertive. After appearing in 28 NHL games earlier this season (7 points), he’s back in the AHL working on consistency and offensive confidence. At just 21, his floor looks like a dependable middle-six center, and he could return to Detroit before season’s end.
2. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, LW/RW, Grand Rapids (AHL), Age 20
After a nine-game NHL stint to start the year, Brandsegg-Nygård has thrived in a bigger AHL role. His 24 points in 31 games rank among the top rookie totals, and his elite shot combined with physical edge makes him a future power forward. Expect him in the NHL lineup for good by next season, possibly sooner.
3. Carter Bear, LW, Everett (WHL), Age 19
Recovering from last year’s Achilles injury, Bear still shows offensive creativity and willingness to engage physically. His production has dipped slightly post-injury, but a recent hot streak (22 points in 13 games) is encouraging. Improved foot speed will be key to unlocking his full potential.
4. Trey Augustine, G, Michigan State (NCAA), Age 20
Augustine continues to dominate with a nation-leading .937 save percentage and heavy workload. The Michigan native has a stellar track record and strong case as college hockey’s top goalie. Size (6-foot-1) raises some projection questions, but his numbers mirror Jeremy Swayman’s college path. Signing him after this season will be a priority for Detroit.
5. Sebastian Cossa, G, Grand Rapids (AHL), Age 23
Cossa’s .932 save percentage earned him a second straight AHL All-Star nod. With over 100 professional starts, he’s ready for an NHL opportunity. Playoff contention and strong play from Detroit’s current starter make a call-up tricky, but games this season would help prepare him for a tandem role in 2026-27.
6. Anton Johansson, RHD, Leksands (SHL), Age 21
A 6-foot-4 right-shot defender with mobility, physicality, and offensive touch, Johansson logs heavy minutes in Sweden’s top league. After a strong cameo in Grand Rapids last spring, he’s expected back in North America soon. His tools suggest legitimate top-four potential.
7. Eddie Genborg, LW, Timrå (SHL), Age 18
The 2025 second-round pick has quickly exceeded expectations with strong SHL production and a key role on Sweden’s gold-medal World Junior team. His size, physicality, and net-front presence project him as a valuable bottom-six winger with upside.
8. Max Plante, LW, Minnesota Duluth (NCAA), Age 19
College hockey’s leading scorer (38 points in 24 games) plays in all situations and shows elite skill and intelligence. Size and skating limit his projection somewhat, but his competitiveness gives him middle-six potential.
9. Amadeus Lombardi, C/LW, Grand Rapids (AHL), Age 22
An electric skater with skill and vision, Lombardi has dominated shifts when healthy (16 points in 16 games). Defensive polishing is needed, but he looks ready for an NHL energy role and could be a trade candidate given Detroit’s forward depth.
10. Shai Buium, LHD, Grand Rapids (AHL), Age 22
Back from injury, the big-bodied left-shot defender brings intelligence and occasional offense. Improved mobility helps his case, though skating remains the main question as he pushes for an NHL opportunity.
Honorable Mentions: Dmitri Buchelnikov, Jesse Kiiskinen
The Red Wings’ prospect pipeline remains deep and varied, offering both immediate help and long-term potential as the franchise pushes for its first playoff berth in nearly a decade.
