Rating Red Wings European Prospects Not an Exact Science (+)

There’s certainly excitment bubbling among the Detroit Red Wings faithful when it comes to the impending arrival to North American of defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka. There’s also a healthy mix of hopefulness and curiosity when it comes to Russian forward Dmitri Buchelniknov.

Both players are the authors of impressive showings in their respective European leagues this season. Still going in the SHL playoffs, Sandin Pellikka’s 12 regular-season goals for Skelleftea established a new mark for junior-aged rearguards. Detroit chose Sandin Pellikka 17th overall in the 2023 NHL entry draft.

Axel Sandin Pellikka(1st round’23 for Skellefteå) GOAL🚨 great board battle win by Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (1st round’24) who picks up the secondary assist 🍏 #LGRW #skeaik pic.twitter.com/5x7akaXyax

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) March 31, 2025

With Vityaz of the KHL, left-winger Buchelnikov (52nd overall, 2022) was leading the team in scoring with 54 points. He established a club record with 39 assists.

Certainly, there’s palpable cause to get excited about what the future might hold for these two players. At the same time, taking a look at a couple of former Red Wings, and a one time Wings prospect also offers enough reason to temper that optimism.