Red Wings Prospect Excited About New Challenge

Originally, the move was catching him by surprise, but now that it’s happening, excitement is the emotion that’s gripping Detroit Red Wings prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov.

“When did I learn about CSKA’s interest? Honestly, right on the day of the exchange,” Buchelnikov told Russian website RT. “There were no conversations before that.”

With his previous club Vityaz teetering on the brink of folding, the team was selling Buchelnikov’s contract to the legendary Moscow army team for an undisclosed sum of cash. Earlier this week, Vityaz was officially giving confirmation that the club would be departing from the KHL.

Dimitri Buchelnikov’s agent provides some context to the trade.
•CSKA purchased the current contract(as we knew but sounds like no extension)
•Trade was agreed by the teams before Buchelnikov and his agent were informed.
•many teams wanted him, CSKA had the money#LGRW pic.twitter.com/O9vXpDkIc4

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) June 13, 2025

“The media published various news,” Buchelnikov said. “But it would be better to ask my agent about other options. I can’t say anything.”

Last season, Buchelnikov was the leading scorer 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 Planning For Red Wings Long Term

The 21-year-old winger has one year left on his KHL contract. Had Vityaz gone under without moving him, he would’ve become a free agent. That outcome would’ve been freeing him up to join the Red Wings, which is clearly his ultimate goal. Detroit was choosing Buchelnikov 52nd overall in the 2022 NHL entry draft.

“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.”

Buchelnikov was great in the KHL this season, you can clearly see the effect of it on his odds. Sounds like he's spending another year in the KHL but when he does come over, it'll be exciting for Detroit and their fans.#LGRW https://t.co/2AJPLNg7XB pic.twitter.com/gQcdDsYVDS

— Nick (@nickiacoban) May 9, 2025

In the meantime, getting the chance to play for CSKA Moscow for a young Russian player is akin to young French-Canadian boy suiting up for the Montreal Canadiens.

“Perhaps I would have ended up somewhere else,” Buchelnikov said. “But I’m glad I ended up at CSKA. It’s a big team with a rich history.”

Many of the most legendary Russian players suited up for CSKA Moscow. This list includes well-known Red Wings stars like Sergei Fedorov, Viacheslav Fetisov and Igor Larionov.

“I’m sure everything will be great,” Buchelnikov said.