Detroit Red Wings
Buchelnikov Ready to Make Red Wings Move?
Russian reports indicate prospect’s arrival in Detroit could be imminent
Reports out of Russia are suggesting that prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov is leaning toward making a move to North America to play in the Detroit Red Wings organization next season.
Speculation that his Russian club Vityaz is going to be departing from the KHL is fueling the speculation of Buchelnikov’s imminent move to join the Red Wings.
“Vityaz forward Dmitry Buchelnikov may leave (the) KHL if the Moscow Region club withdraws from the next season,” Russian website Sport Express is reporting.
Per Artur Khairullin, #LGRW prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov may leave for Detroit if Vityaz is removed from the KHL.
In that case, the player will become an unrestricted free agent in the KHL.
— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) June 3, 2025
“The 21-year-old hockey player’s contract (with Vityaz) is for one more season, and he is considering the option of continuing his career with Detroit, which owns his NHL rights.”
Were Vityaz to drop out of the league, Buchelnikov would be declared a KHL UFA. He’d be free to sign with Detroit.
Last season, Buchelnikov was the leading score for Vityaz. In 64 games he would account for 15 goals and 39 assists. The latter amount was a new club single-season record.
Buchelnikov was also selected to play in the KHL All-Star Game. He would win the fastest skater competition during the skills event of all-star weekend.
Buchelnikov Excited About Getting Red Wings Opportunity
Detroit chose Buchelnikov 52nd overall in the 2022 NHL entry draft. He’s never made it a secret that making it to the NHL and donning the winged wheel jersey of the Red Wings is his motivation.
“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.”
Unlike many European prospects who balk at the prospect of putting in time to hone their skills in the AHL, if Buchelnikov is ultimately assigned to play for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, he’s all for it.
“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.”
Playing this past season on a line with American Derek Barach, Buchelnikov was also looking to the future. He has taken advantage of the opportunity to bolster his English-speaking schools.
“Of course, we communicate in English,” Buchelnikov said. “I am learning the language and constantly getting direct practice with a native speaker. I am progressing in this regard as well. It is great.”
It also appears that Buchelnikov may currently be in the USA. Six days ago on his Instagram account buchelya.27, he posted a photo of himself standing in front of the Texas state capitol building.
