Jeremy Laura: Wings score 5 on 14 shots in needed win over Utah

Bizarre game! It just became stranger and stranger! I hope Mrazek is OK. I don't see how the 1st hit on him was not called! The player skated a bee line right thru him!

#2 Dmitri Buchelnikov - LW - KHL - Detroit Red Wings 2nd rounder in 2022
When Buchelnikov was drafted, he was one of those picks that was very intriguing but clouded by uncertainty among world events and in light of his incredible draft year stats coming entirely in the Russian MHL. Where have we heard that before? Well, Buchelnikov followed his strong draft year with a noticeable VHL season before becoming a KHL regular on loan last season, putting up 29 points in the process. That strong step has turned into a monster 24-25 season in which the 21-year-old has accumulated 51 points in 62 KHL games, mostly on the strength of 36 assists, becoming a key powerplay quarterback in the process. Shifty and slick with the puck, Buchelnikov has the kind of game-reading smarts that rarely see him make a poor decision with the puck while also being able to make timely passes and throw absolute darts on goal at any given time. Detroit will need to wait another year, but the Red Wings could have another ready-made youngster coming into the fray as of the summer of 2026.

#4 Jesse Kiiskinen - C - Liiga - Detroit Red Wings (by trade) 3rd rounder in 2023
Another Red Wings prospect, albeit a Nashville pick from 2023 that Steve Yzerman traded for, Kiiskinen has absolutely exploded this season, becoming his team’s top scorer. Eyebrows were raised with 10 Liiga points in his DY+1, but nobody would have seen him putting up 14-30-44 and +6 numbers in his DY+2. But that’s exactly what he did! The crafty righty shot whose game just keeps getting slicker might have had even better numbers if he hadn’t been a key component for an upstart silver medal WJC squad for which he went 6-1-7 in 7 contests. In short, it’s been a phenomenal season and word is, he’s even getting consideration for the men’s WC this spring. As always, Finland has plenty of players to pick from but what doesn’t seem to be in question is Kiiskinen’s near future. An ELC is all but in the bag and even if he’s given another year in Europe, he clearly looks like he has the offensive skills and wherewithal to put his name on the NHL map within the next three seasons.

from McKeen's Hockey
NHL PROSPECTS: Top five drafted prospects in Europe

[quote=HenryHockey]#2 Dmitri Buchelnikov - LW - KHL - Detroit Red Wings 2nd rounder in 2022

#4 Jesse Kiiskinen - C - Liiga - Detroit Red Wings (by trade) 3rd rounder in 2023

We’ve talked a bit about Buchelnikov. Until he’s signed that’s a big potential loss. Just found out about NHL policy limiting contact w KHL and prospects there. Kiiskinen is the pleasant surprise of the dealing that jettisoned Walman who was able to get a Forst rounder from EDM for SJ. having neither signed to ELC and Buch’s rights expiring after next season are concerning. Hoping they can get it done but bracing. Really bracing on Augustine after a report out of March madness. NIL strikes again, hockey is about to get smacked with it. Good drop in, thanks for posting that. Would love a loaded GR even after promotions

Bizarre game! It just became stranger and stranger! I hope Mrazek is OK. I don't see how the 1st hit on him was not called! The player skated a bee line right thru him!
- HenryHockey

I almost wish there was was an outside entity reviewing some of this. Zero consistency at every level of discipline. NHLPA should push for an outside arbitrater and even in game non league assist. Don’t want refs replaced by AI, just need some accountability

Emmitt Finnie assigned to GR from the Kamloops Blazers (his junior career now ending). He was their team captain. He's already been signed by Yzerman.. which is unheard of for a seventh round pick this early in his career.

"He's coming off an exceptional season in which he scored 37 goals and totaled 84 points in just 54 games" per Kevin Allen at Detroit Hockey now.

I'm probably going to be at the game tomorrow night so I'll get to see him play. Interesting prospect. He's 19 years-old. Listed at 6'1, 190 lbs. Decent size. Not sure if he's a wing or a center. Only listed as "forward". We'll see what he can do


Per Elite Prospects scouting report:
Always in the right place, he consistently influences the play even without the puck. A non-stop engine powers him up and down the rink, making up space to poke away pucks on the backcheck and force turnovers on the forecheck. He enters every battle with a couple of shoulder checks to find options and has the skill to connect.

Emmitt Finnie assigned to GR from the Kamloops Blazers (his junior career now ending). He was their team captain. He's already been signed by Yzerman.. which is unheard of for a seventh round pick this early in his career.

"He's coming off an exceptional season in which he scored 37 goals and totaled 84 points in just 54 games" per Kevin Allen at Detroit Hockey now.

I'm probably going to be at the game tomorrow night so I'll get to see him play. Interesting prospect. He's 19 years-old. Listed at 6'1, 190 lbs. Decent size. Not sure if he's a wing or a center. Only listed as "forward". We'll see what he can do


Per Elite Prospects scouting report:
Always in the right place, he consistently influences the play even without the puck. A non-stop engine powers him up and down the rink, making up space to poke away pucks on the backcheck and force turnovers on the forecheck. He enters every battle with a couple of shoulder checks to find options and has the skill to connect.
- Vladdie_Kon1

Yeah, H2 put up the tweet a couple posts back. Interesting to see how he transitions. I did reach out to the team mid season but couldn’t pin down an interview.

Cossa is in Dever!!!!!!!

https://x.com/LGRWProspec...tatus/1904604508837019822

Cossa is in Dever!!!!!!!

https://x.com/LGRWProspec...tatus/1904604508837019822
- HenryHockey

Just saw both Mrazek and Talbot out with injury

Just saw both Mrazek and Talbot out with injury
- Jeremy Laura

https://x.com/m_bultman/status/1904678912493334620

Lyon starts, Cossa BU