The Daily: Buchelnikov Farther Away From NHL; Philly Rumor

Bob Duff’s story about the Dmitry Buchelnikov Kontinental Hockey League trade makes it clear that he’s not coming to the Detroit Red Wings until at least 2026-27.

After SKA St. Petersburg traded him to Vityaz Moscow Region, the Red Wings third-round pick signed a two-season contract extension with Vityaz. If he signs with Detroit after that contract runs out, he will come to his first NHL training camp at 23.

Duff writes that there may be a bigger concern here. Originally, the rumor was SKA St. Petersburg would loan Buchelnikov to Vityaz. But they opted to move him permanently.

“That SKA, one of the top clubs in the KHL, is opting to completely cut ties with Buchelnikov has to be a bit worrisome in terms of his NHL potential,” Duff wrote. “If he’s not considered talented enough to play for an elite KHL squad, what are the chances that he’ll be developing into an NHL regular?”

The Red Wings drafted him with the hope that he would develop into an elite goal scorer. He had 13 goals last season when he was on loan to another KHL team (Admiral).

Dmitry Buchelnikov's shot is lethal 💀 pic.twitter.com/zuH4AqZp9s

— KHL (@khl_eng) December 3, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Why the Red Wings won’t be chasing a trade for Columbus forward Patrik Laine.

Detroit draftee Larry Keenan‘s decision to play college hockey gives the Red Wings more time to monitor his development.

Paywall story: DHN’s Bob Duff ranks Detroit’s forward prospects, starting with Marco Kasper at No. 1 and Nate Danielson at No. 2 . To subscribe, click here.  To receive $10 off a yearly subscription price, use the promo code bob10.

Red Wings Offseason

By the way, in case you have lost track of where the Red Wings are in terms of the Justin Abdelkader buyout, they still have two more seasons of $1.055 million in dead cap space. They also have one season of $533,000 in dead cap space for Kailer Yamamoto (Klim Kostin trade with Edmonton).

Hockey Now Network

Philadelphia: TSN’s Darren Dreger is reporting the Flyers are discussing moving Cam Atkinson to the Sharks. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski believes the Pens need to keep their eyes on three potential buyout candidates around the NHL. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Colorado: A month later, Nathan MacKinnon is still unhappy with how the Avalanche season ended. Colorado Avalanche.

San Jose: Reports say GM Mike Grier may claim forward Barclay Goodrow off waivers. San Jose Sharks.