Red Wings Prospect Working His Way Back From Surgery

The first season for Detroit Red Wings prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov with traditional Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow started slowly. Then it came to a complete stop when he underwent shoulder surgery in late November.

Now, things are steadily getting back on track. The 22-year-old left-winger is back on the ice, continuing his rehab program following surgery.

#TOR Alexei Kruchinin and #CSKA #LGRW prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov both had the same shoulder surgery. #KHL

Both out till at least February 2026. pic.twitter.com/of4ZYz4nCY

— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) December 2, 2025

“Buchelnikov has also been on the ice for about three days,” CSKA Moscow coach Igor Nikitin recently told the official KHL website. “He is already working with the puck.”

At the same time, Nikitin was asking for caution and patience when discussing the status of Detroit’s prize prospect.

“There are standard terms of recovery after this injury,” Nikitin said. “That’s why he trains, but still won’t play in matches ahead of time.”

The prognosis following his late-November surgery was a 2-3 month recovery for Buchelnikov. Optimistically, that could put him back in the CSKA Moscow lineup by the end of this month. Realistically, a mid-to-late February return seems more plausible.

In 30 games with CSKA Moscow this season, Buchelnikov produced 10 goals and 10 assists. Detroit chose him 52nd overall in the 2022 NHL entry draft. He’s in the final year of his KHL contract. That’s leading to hope that Buchelnikov will sign with the Red Wings and come to play in North America next season.

CSKA Adds Former Red Wings Player

When Buchelnikov does return to the lineup, he’ll notice that there’s been a change in status when it comes to former Red Wings on the CSKA Moscow roster.

At the time of his injury, Daniel Sprong was the ex-Red Wings player skating with CSKA Moscow. He’s since been traded to Admiral – Buchelnikov’s old team.

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Klim Kostin • Red Wings
🆚 2023 OCT 16 • #NHL
Erik Gudbranson • Blue Jacketshttps://t.co/bKEqjNPn2c pic.twitter.com/KvKWmOGmsR

— HockeyFights.com (@hockeyfights) October 16, 2024

The KHL trade deadline was on the weekend. Among the moves made by CSKA Moscow was the acquisition of forward Klim Kostin from Avangard Omsk.

Kostin, 26, played 33 games for the Red Wings in 2023-24. He accounted for three goals and one assist.

It’s been a struggle for Kostin in the KHL this season. He’s only collected two assists in 21 games.