Detroit Red Wings
Buchelnikov Looking Forward To Red Wings Challenge
Detroit prospect willing to do what it takes to make NHL grade
While he’s still a year away from being in line for the opportunity, Detroit Red Wings prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov is already taking measures he feels will be necessary to one day play for the team.
And it would appear that he’s willing to go above and beyond in order to make that opportunity happen.
He’s learning to speak English. If a seasoning stint is required with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins is called for, he’s fine with that.
As a #LGRW fan, times are hard. But you know what else is hard?
Doing what Dmitri Buchelnikov has done in the KHL.
130 Games: 29 goals, 56 assists, 85 points as a 21-year-old. pic.twitter.com/NedfZ0QB95
— Ian Denning (@Cest_Ian) April 10, 2025
“Everyone understands that the NHL is a special league,” Buchelnikov told Russian website Championat. “The best players in the world are gathered there, and every guy dreams of playing there at least a season. Yes, at least one match.”
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound right shot left winger has one year remaining on his contract with Vityaz of the KHL. Following completion of that pact, expectations are that the 21-year-old second-round pick in the 2022 NHL entry draft (52nd overall) will be moving to North America.
Buchelnikov Willing To Serve Red Wings Apprenticeship
He’s ready to make that commitment, even if it means that he’ll be starting his quest for a Red Wings place with the AHL Griffins.
“I’m ready for everything, for any challenges,” Buchelnikov said. “It’s not a problem for me (if) I’ll have to play for the farm club. That’s how it should be.”
That might not seem like a big deal for an incoming prospect to be okay with a minor-league stint in their transition to the North American game. However, the fact of the matter is that many Russian players, and even some European players in general, will return to play in their homeland if they don’t make the NHL grade in short order.
Buchelnikov isn’t deterred by the thought of serving such a hockey apprenticeship in order to get to live out his dream.
“It’s okay,” he said. “They didn’t succeed, but maybe I will.”
Embedded In English Lessons
He enjoyed a strong KHL campaign with Vityaz. Buchelnikov led the team in scoring, setting a club single-season record with 39 assists.
Playing on a line with American Derek Barack, Buchelnikov is making another impressive commitment to a future North American experience. He’s been learning to speak English from his teammate.
#LGRW prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov breaks Vityaz team record for most assists in a season (34).
Buch broke the team record that was shared by Justin Danforth, Kaspars Daugavins and Miro Aaltonen (32 assists each).
📸 HC Vityaz pic.twitter.com/GnaS1yDHES
— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) February 26, 2025
“Of course, we communicate in English,” Buchelnikov said. “I am learning the language and constantly getting direct practice with a native speaker. Next to him, I am progressing in this regard as well. It is great.”
Buchelnikov Unofficial Red Wings Scout
He does have some contact with the Red Wings. However, due to the current political climate, it is very limited compared to some of the club’s other top European prospects.
“They have a Russian scout (Nikolay Vakourov),” Buchelnikov said. “Sometimes we talk. We discuss some moments in the game.”
Even though he’s not yet officially on the Red Wings payroll, Buchelnikov is nonetheless helping to shape the future of the team by speaking to Vakourov about KHL draft-eligible players he sees in action.
“He can call and ask about the young guys,” Buchelnikov said. “I share my opinion.”
