Red Wings Notebook: Lyon Close to Return

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Lyon is nearly over what he’s describing as a case of the hiccups.

“Just had a little hiccup there,” Lyon said of the lower-body injury he was suffering in practice on Thursday. “Feeling better now and body’s good to go. Excited and itching to get a start.”

That start won’t be coming on Wednesday as the Red Wings are launching a four-game road trip in Pittsburgh facing the Penguins. Lyon has been missing the past two games and Detroit coach Derek Lalonde was indicating that streak would be extending to at least three games.

“I still expect Ville (Husso) to back up tomorrow for Cam (Talbot) and then we’ll make a decision after that,” Lalonde said. “We’ll reevaluate post Pittsburgh on Alex’s health.”

Buchelnikov A Dishing Dandy

The KHL is describing it on their official website as “a magnificent assist.” The dandy helper was the work of Red Wings prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov.

KHL goals leader strikes again.

Derek Barach got his 15th of the season thanks to Dmitry Buchelnikov's pass. pic.twitter.com/yD3h2G2PZ1

— KHL (@khl_eng) November 12, 2024

Accepting a pass at the right faceoff dot as Vityaz rose to the attack, Buchelnikov was quickly transitioning the puck to Derek Barach in the high slot. He drilled home a one-timer for his KHL-leading 15th goal of the season.

The goal opened the scoring and would wind up proving to be the game winner as Vityaz was blanking Severstal 2-0.

Buchelnikov, 21, is in a tie for sixth in KHL scoring. He’s showing 7-15-22 totals through 25 games. He was Detroit’s 52nd overall selection in the 2022 NHL entry draft,

Red Wings Pick To Represent USA

For the second successive season, there will be a Red Wings representative on the USA Hockey roster at the World Junior A Challenge. Left-winger Austin Baker was on the list when the roster reveal for the US Junior Select Team was made on Tuesday.

Congrats to NTDP alums Austin Baker, Sam Laurila, Brendan McMorrow and Lucas Van Vliet on being named to the U.S. Junior Select Team 👏

Looking forward to seeing you boys back in the 🔴⚪️🔵! https://t.co/fKqneJFwMN

— USA Hockey’s NTDP (@USAHockeyNTDP) November 12, 2024

The Red Wings were selecting the six-foot, 190-pound left-shot defenseman 203rd overall in the 2024 NHL entry draft. Baker is currently playing in the USHL with the Sioux Falls Stampede. He’s a Michigan State commit for the 2025-26 NCAA season.

Another Red Wings prospect, defenseman Jack Phelan (173rd overall, 2023) was suiting up for the USA in last year’s World Junior A Challenge.

The World Junior A Challenge is set for December 9-15 in Camrose, Alberta.