It will be simpler for some people. There’s a chance that some folks may emerge from camp out of nowhere.
If the Detroit Red Wings decide to go in a different direction next season, the prospects must get all the playing time they require. This means that the notion of “over-ripening” prospects should be abandoned. The team needs to accept that newcomers will make mistakes and occasionally spoil one or two crucial plays.
Additionally, it requires providing young players with everything they need to succeed in the NHL.
If everything goes according to plan during the preseason, it’s reasonable to expect that some, if not all, of the players on this list will be full-time Red Wings by the end of the 2026–27 season:
Carter Bear concentrates on the present.
One of Carter Bear’s most impressive off-ice qualities is his mindset. He is putting his efforts into getting stronger, faster, and bigger so that he can join them eventually, rather than focusing on doing so right away.
Bear reiterated his dedication to getting better in a chat with the Red Wings’ media.
“It’s pro now, and it’s a totally different level of hockey,” Bear said. It’s a lot different from juniors; it’s faster, and you have to be smarter and stronger. Like I said before, I just need to focus on getting better at the game that Detroit wants me to, trust Detroit to do what’s best for my development, and have faith in them. I think it will all work out.
Bear’s remarkable last several seasons with the Everett Silvertips, in combination with his thought process, make his progress one to watch. Bear would fit right in among the team’s top six, playing either wing or center (according to his Eliteprospects profile).
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard’s services are needed.
The Red Wings will need every goal-scoring ounce they can muster. With the exits of Patrick Kane, James van Riemsdyk, and possibly Dylan Larkin, the club is down 65 goals. This is obviously quite bad for a club that has already struggled to generate offense.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard enters here.
The previous first-round choice did well last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, scoring 20 goals and assisting 24 times for a total of 44 points in 60 games. Even if it’s evident that the NHL won’t get the same amount of production, it’s still encouraging.
At the very least, Brandsegg-physicality and goal-scoring ability should make up for James van Riemsdyk’s 15 goals. It should be regarded as a major advantage for the club if he can contribute anything further. All he needs is a chance to succeed.
Nate Danielson needs to succeed this year.
Nate Danielson could not be the Red Wings’ most important player to have a successful season. The team will have to choose what to do if the former first-round pick, who will be 22 years old this season, is unable to make the squad.
Fortunately, they appear to be providing him with every opportunity to succeed. It is still undecided whether he will be paired with Alex DeBrincat or allowed to earn his spot on his own. During his brief tryout with the Red Wings last season, he did, however, score seven points in 28 games, showing promise.
Injuries aside, Danielson would have likely had a considerably better AHL campaign. He scored 15 points in 18 games for the Griffins during the 2025–2026 season. The Red Wings will need all the support they can get at center this year. Danielson must prove his worth this time if he wants to remain a regular on the Winged Wheel.
This season, Anton Johansson is a potential dark horse candidate to start.
A couple of the Red Wings’ defensive prospects are close to making the squad. William Wallinder, who recently signed a one-year agreement, has no lack of young talent eager to leave his stamp on the backend, starting with Shai Buium.
However, Anton Johansson is undoubtedly the finest defenseman.
The former Leksands IF player quickly proved to be one of the top defenders on the Griffins’ roster after joining the team late in the previous campaign. He is a physically demanding, imposing defender who perfectly fits the Red Wings’ blueliner profile.
Niklas Kronwall, a former Red Wings defenseman, praised Johansson’s eagerness and drive to learn.
Kronwall observed, “I think he is still growing, growing, and growing.” “It is thrilling to witness him here throughout the WC and how he handles himself. I don’t think we’ve seen all that he is capable of. He is still in the beginning stages of development, and there is a lot more that he can learn.”
Axel Sandin-Pellikka will be a power for many years to come
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