The Detroit Red Wings added eight new players in the 2021 NHL Draft – three defensemen, four forwards and a goaltender. Where will the new additions develop in their first official season as members of the Wings’ prospect pool?
Heading Off to College
Three of Detroit’s new prospects will spend their draft +1 year in the NCAA.
Defenseman Shai Buium spent last season in the USHL, developing with the Sioux City Musketeers. With the Musteteers, Buium scored four goals and 22 assists in 50 games, tacking on a goal and two assists in four playoff games. He’s heading to Denver University this season.
Detroit’s third round pick, Carter Mazur, will also be heading to Denver University. Like Buium, Mazur played in the USHL this season. As captain of the Tri-City Storm, he nabbed 20 points and 24 assists in 47 games (With a goal and an assist in three playoff games).
The Red Wings’ last college bound draftee is Red Savage. Savage is heading to Miami (of Ohio) University, coming off of a solid season with the U.S. National U-18 team (18 goals and 24 assists in 46 games played).
Sticking in Sweden
Both of Detroit’s 2021 Swedes are sticking in their native countries in ’21-’22. In fact, both are playing in the same organization. Simon Edvinsson bounced between Frolunda’s U-20 team and main roster, also appearing in Sweden’s second-tier league (HockeyAllsvenskan) for a stretch. Barring massive regression, Edvinsson will likely stick on Frolunda’s main roster throughout the entire season. Liam Dower Nilsson, also a member of the Frolunda organization, will likely start with the team’s junior development squad. However, there’s a chance he makes the main team at some point in the season (Joining Edvinsson).
Staying Put
The last three prospects will likely stay in their respective leagues this season. Sebastian Cossa dominated in the WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings this season (.941 save percentage through 19 games) and he’ll likely be there again this year.
Oscar Plandowski was in the QMJHL this year, playing in 39 games and scoring five goals and 12 assists. It’s hard to say where he’ll end up, but another year in the Q is likely for Plandowski.
Lastly, Pasquale Zito of the OHL will get another shot to prove himself this year. Zito was one of the players with draft stock affected by the cancellation of the league; he didn’t play a single game in 2020-21. Detroit was looking for a hidden gem when they selected Zito – they’ll truly see what they have in his real sophomore season.