The Detroit Red Wings currently have 14 prospects playing in Europe. Three of these prospects (Albert Johansson, Eemil Viro, and Filip Larsson), have already signed entry-level contracts with Detroit. Others will sign this summer and possibly bring their talents to North America next year.
Here is a look at the Detroit prospects that are currently playing in Europe.
Prospect Focus: William Wallinder (Rogle BK, SHL)
William Wallinder is developing nicely while playing regular minutes for Rogle (SHL). Wallinder was drafted by Detroit in the 2nd round, 32nd overall, in the 2020 draft. He will turn 20 in July and appears ready for a move to North America.
In his last seven games, Wallinder has chipped in with three assists. Wallinder is currently 5th in U21 scoring in the SHL. He is also 2nd in U21 scoring for defensemen. In 34 games played this season, Wallinder has four goals, 11 assists, 15 points, and a +4 rating.
The 6’4″ Wallinder, will likely sign his entry-level contract with Detroit during the offseason and has a chance to play in the AHL for Grand Rapids next year.
Liam Dower Nilsson continues to pile up points in the J20 Nationell, Sweden’s top junior league. In his last six games, Nilsson has recorded 13 points, playing for Frolunda. In 27 games, Nilsson has 15 goals, 26 assists, 41 points, and a +17 rating. This season, Nilsson has also been recalled to play 10 games for Frolunda in the SHL.
Alexander Kadeykin has had a very good season in the KHL. Now 28, Kadeykin’s rights remain with the Red Wings indefinitely. In 43 games during the regular season, Kadeykin scored 11 goals, 20 assists, 31 points, and a +17 rating. Now that the Olympics are over, all teams in the KHL are set to begin the playoffs.
Elmer Soderblom continues to lead the U21 scoring race in the SHL. In his last four games, Soderblom scored three goals and four points. In 38 games, Soderblom has scored 17 goals, seven assists, 24 points, and a -3 rating.
Albert Johansson remains in 2nd in U21 scoring in the SHL. He is also at the top of U21 scoring for defensemen. In his last six games, Johansson has recorded one goal, three assists, and four points. In 40 games played this season, Johansson has four goals, 17 assists, 21 points, and a -9 rating. Johansson signed a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit in June 2020, and is currently on loan to his club team in the SHL.
Otto Kivenmaki continues to struggle offensively in Liiga. In his last 11 games, Kivenmaki, who is trying to earn a contract before his rights expire in June, was held without a goal and earned two assists. In 48 games this year, Kivenmaki has recorded five goals, 13 assists, 18 points, with a -4 rating.
Simon Edvinsson remains 8th in U21 scoring in the SHL. He is also 4th in U21 scoring for defensemen. In his last four games, Edvinsson picked up one assist. In 30 SHL games, Edvinsson has scored one goal, 12 assists, 13 points, and a +4 rating. Delaney had a story featured about him
Albin Grewe is currently playing for for Mora (HockeyAllsvenskan). In his last 10 games, Grewe scored one goal, five assists, and six points. In 26 games, Grewe now has three goals, nine assists, 12 points, and a -2 rating.
Theodor Niederbach has moved up to 9th in U21 scoring in the SHL. In his last four games, Niederbach scored four goals. In 38 games, Niederbach has scored seven goals, four assists, 11 points, and an even +/- rating.
Gustav Berglund was recently demoted to play for Karlskrona (HockeyEttan). In his first two games, Berglund had one assist and a +1 rating. While playing at four levels this year, Berglund has played 20 games, and recorded two goals, two assists, four points, and a -6 rating.
Eemil Viro continues to disappoint offensively while playing in Liiga. In 40 games, Viro has one goal, three assists, four points, and a +1 rating. Viro signed a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit in May 2021, and is currently on loan to his club team in the Liiga.
Joren van Pottelberghe is Detroit’s top goaltending prospect currently playing in Europe. He was injured prior to the Olympics and was left off Team Switzerland. In 38 games, van Pottelberghe has a 22-10-2 record, with a 2.24 GAA, and a .922 SV%.
Filip Larsson has played all his games on loan from Detroit to HV71 in the HockeyAllsvenskan this year. In 16 games, Larsson has an 11-4-0 record, with a 2.29 GAA, and a .911 SV%. This is the final year of Larsson’s entry-level contract with the Red Wings.
After starting the year playing 10 games in the Hockey Allsvenskan, Jesper Eliasson has played the last 10 games in the lower level HockeyEttan. Since his demotion, Eliasson has a record of 6-4-0, with a 2.89 GAA, and a .903 SV%. Eliasson’s rights with Detroit are set to expire at the end of this season.