Red Wings Prospect Plans to Stay in Russia, Has No Intention of Reporting to Detroit
Dmitri Buchelnikov, drafted 52nd overall in 2022 by the Red Wings, was a big-time get for GM Steve Yzerman. In his draft-year, Buchelnikov scored a whopping 75 points in just 56 games for SKA St. Petersburg's MHL affiliate. He has popped off to start this season, scoring 9 points in the team's first 3 MHL games, with 20 points in 18 VHL games.
Unfortunately, the Russian forward has his eye on cracking the big club in St. Petersburg, not the NHL. When Buchelnikov was posed with a question regarding his future, he offered a less than encouraging answer for Wings' fans:
"I don't think about it. I always wanted to get into SKA. That's why I joined the club three years ago. All my thoughts are only about SKA.
I try to make the most of every day. Of course, I would like to return to the KHL as soon as possible. I will be extremely happy about this."
I try to make the most of every day. Of course, I would like to return to the KHL as soon as possible. I will be extremely happy about this."
The draft stock of Russian players has taken a serious hit due to external events which have little to do with hockey. Sadly, they have had a sizable effect on NHL clubs' collective willingness to take chances on Russian players.
If Buchelnikov opts to stay in Russia, making Detroit's 2022 2nd rounder a total waste, we could see fewer and fewer clubs drafting Russian's with their higher picks, much like we did in the 90's and 00's.
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