Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings Prospect Still Weighing Options
Pradel has choice to play in WHL, USHL
When he was selected 75th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2025 NHL entry draft, Slovak goaltender Michal Pradel was playing for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL.
They’d like to have him back for the 2025-26 season.
However, Pradel, the first Slovak selection in the 2025 NHL entry draft, was also taken very early in the CHL Import Draft. The Regina Pats claimed him with the fourth overall selection.
With the fourth overall pick of the 2025 CHL Import Draft, the Regina Pats are proud to select Michal Pradel!#CHLImportDraft pic.twitter.com/JIck4KaVvs
— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) July 2, 2025
The Pats would also like to see Pradel between the pipes for their club season.
As for Pradel, he’s not sure yet in which direction he intends to go.
“That’s in the process of being resolved,” Pradel told Slovak website TVNoviny.
He is certain about the factor that is weighing the heaviest in his decision-making process, though – playing time.
“I’m making sure I get as much match experience as possible,” Pradel said. “The head coach left Tri-City, and some things changed there.”
Former NHL head coach and one-time Red Wings assistant coach John Torchetti is now in charge at Tri-City. Late last month, he was named head coach, as well as director and president of hockey operations for the Storm.
“I like Tri-City so much,” Pradel said. “They gave me a lot of games in a short amount of time. So I really like it there.”
Pradel is still listed on the Storm’s roster. Last season, he joined the club in February. In 14 games, he posted a 9-4 record with a 2.41 GAA and .907 save percentage.
Red Wings Pick Wants To Play College Hockey
Pradel, 18, recognizes that like all young goalies, he’s a work in progress. The 6-foot-5, 198-pound netminder wants to increase his strength while also improving his mobility and explosiveness.
When his junior eligibility is completed, Pradel plans to play NCAA hockey.
Michal Pradel is a big goalie from Slovakia who played 14 games with the @TriCityStorm in the @USHL this past season.
Says he doesn’t know what he’s doing this coming season, but he would like to play in college.
Solid goalie prospect for the @DetroitRedWings. pic.twitter.com/0hy1M2nTCP
— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) June 28, 2025
As for where he plans to play this season, well, that’s still up in the air.
“I will continue my training in Liptovský Mikuláš and then I will move to a club,” Pradel said. “But we don’t know where yet.”
