Which Red Wings Prospects Could Make Detroit’s Roster Next Season? — Mailbag, Part 2
As the offseason unfolds and the anticipation for training camp builds, Red Wings fans are eagerly looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, wondering which of Detroit’s highly touted prospects might finally make the leap to the NHL. In Part 2 of this Red Wings mailbag, we dive into the development pipeline to explore who’s knocking on the door — and who could crack the opening night roster.
With a talented farm system cultivated by GM Steve Yzerman over the past few years, the Red Wings are now in a position where internal competition for NHL jobs is as fierce as ever. Here’s a breakdown of the top prospects with a legitimate shot at skating in Detroit this coming season.
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### 1. **Simon Edvinsson – Defense**
**Status:** Almost NHL-ready
**Projection:** Strong candidate for full-time role
Simon Edvinsson is arguably the most anticipated defensive prospect in Detroit’s system. The 6-foot-6 Swede impressed in his stints with the Red Wings last season, showing flashes of poise, mobility, and physicality. After logging major minutes with the Grand Rapids Griffins and continuing to round out his defensive game, Edvinsson looks like he’s ready for the next step.
Barring any training camp setbacks, he’s the odds-on favorite to land a spot in Detroit’s top six on the blue line. With his skating and two-way presence, Edvinsson could play a big role in reshaping the Red Wings’ defensive identity.
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### 2. **Marco Kasper – Center**
**Status:** Close to NHL-ready
**Projection:** Competing for a bottom-six role
Marco Kasper, Detroit’s 2022 first-round pick, brings grit, speed, and a 200-foot game. He briefly appeared in the NHL last season before an injury cut his opportunity short. Now fully healthy and coming off a strong AHL campaign, Kasper is a serious contender to make the roster as a third- or fourth-line center.
His versatility and willingness to play a hard-nosed style make him an appealing option for a team looking to get tougher down the middle. If he has a solid training camp and preseason, don’t be surprised if he earns a spot.
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### 3. **Jonatan Berggren – Winger**
**Status:** Bubble player
**Projection:** Fringe NHL contributor or first call-up
Jonatan Berggren has bounced between Detroit and Grand Rapids for two seasons now, and he’s on the cusp of cementing himself as a full-time NHLer. He’s shown he can score and create plays, but consistency and defensive reliability remain areas of concern.
If the Red Wings opt for more scoring punch in their bottom six, Berggren could make the cut. However, with roster spots tight and competition increasing, he may need to blow the doors off at camp to avoid another start in the AHL.
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### 4. **Sebastian Cossa – Goaltender**
**Status:** Developing
**Projection:** Long shot, potential mid-season call-up
Sebastian Cossa made major strides last season, splitting time between the ECHL and AHL and finishing strong with the Griffins. At 6-foot-6, he has the frame and athleticism of a prototypical NHL goalie, but he’s still polishing his consistency and rebound control.
While unlikely to make the roster out of camp, Cossa could be a factor later in the season if injuries strike or if he dominates in Grand Rapids. Long-term, he remains a crucial piece of Detroit’s future in net.
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### 5. **Carter Mazur – Winger**
**Status:** Strong dark horse
**Projection:** Competing for a depth forward role
Mazur is a classic Yzerman-style player: fast, physical, and fearless. The University of Denver product made waves in the AHL with his energy and offensive upside. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and has shown a knack for getting under opponents’ skin — something Detroit could use more of.
If Mazur brings that same fire to training camp, he could sneak onto the fourth line or be one of the first players called up when injuries hit.
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### 6. **Albert Johansson – Defense**
**Status:** NHL-ready depth
**Projection:** 7th defenseman or AHL starter
Another smooth-skating Swedish blueliner, Johansson has been patient in his development and continues to improve. He’s not as flashy as Edvinsson, but his steady play and ability to move the puck make him a viable NHL option.
If Detroit carries seven defensemen, Johansson has a strong case. If not, he’ll likely continue logging big minutes in Grand Rapids — but it’s clear his time is coming soon.
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### Others to Watch
* **Amadeus Lombardi** – A dynamic forward with speed and skill, but may need another full AHL season before being considered.
* **Elmer Söderblom** – The towering winger has NHL experience and could push for a role if he sharpens his decision-making.
* **Antti Tuomisto** – Big right-handed defenseman who might emerge later in the season depending on injury or performance.
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### Final Thoughts: A Good Problem to Have
The Red Wings are no longer a team desperate to fill roster holes. Instead, they’re a franchise with a growing surplus of young, talented players competing for limited spots — a sign of healthy development and organizational depth.
Training camp will be the proving ground, and it’s clear that players like Edvinsson, Kasper, and Mazur are on the brink. Whether they crack the opening night lineup or work their way up during the season, one thing is certain: the next wave of Red Wings talent is on the rise — and Detroit fans have every reason to be excited.
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