NHL Prospect Pool Overview 2025–26: Detroit Red Wings Boast Elite Goaltending Depth in Deep Pipeline
As the 2025–26 NHL season approaches, the Detroit Red Wings find themselves in a promising position—not just in terms of their current roster, but in the strength and structure of their prospect pipeline. Long known for their patient, methodical rebuild under GM Steve Yzerman, the Red Wings have built one of the most balanced and deep pools in the NHL. And this year, goaltending is the crown jewel.
With top-tier talent at every position and a development system firing on all cylinders, Detroit is quietly assembling a team that could contend for years to come. Here’s an in-depth look at where the Red Wings stand heading into 2025–26, and why their goaltending prospects are stealing the spotlight.
Goaltending: Detroit’s Foundation of the Future
If there’s one area where the Red Wings shine brightest, it’s in net. While many NHL franchises are scrambling to find one reliable goalie prospect, Detroit boasts multiple high-ceiling netminders, each with NHL starter potential.
Sebastian Cossa, the former 15th overall pick in 2021, is finally showing the consistency and confidence the Red Wings hoped for. After a couple of uneven AHL seasons, Cossa broke out in 2024–25, posting a .918 save percentage with the Grand Rapids Griffins and earning multiple call-ups to Detroit. His size, athleticism, and improved rebound control have turned heads across the league. He’s expected to compete for a full-time backup role in Detroit this season and is widely viewed as the team’s goalie of the future.
Trey Augustine, drafted in 2023, has rocketed up the charts thanks to stellar play at Michigan State and a standout performance for Team USA at the World Juniors. His game is built on quick lateral movement, calm positioning, and mental poise beyond his years. At just 20 years old, he may return to college for another season, but his NHL potential is undeniable.
Jan Bednar is a bit of a sleeper in the system. Bednar has been solid in the ECHL and AHL, and at 6’5″, he has the physical tools teams covet. While not as refined as Cossa or Augustine, Bednar adds valuable depth to Detroit’s goaltending tree and could emerge as a strong backup option or trade asset in the next two seasons.
Skater Depth: Forward Group Growing in Skill and Speed
While goaltending is the headline, the Red Wings also boast a healthy collection of NHL-ready and near-NHL-ready forwards. Marco Kasper, the 2022 first-round pick, is projected to center Detroit’s third line this season but has top-six upside. Kasper brings skill, toughness, and leadership—an Yzerman-type through and through.
Carter Mazur has offensive flair and relentless forechecking. After putting up 54 points in Grand Rapids last season, he looks ready to challenge for a middle-six role. Nate Danielson, drafted ninth overall in 2023, continues to develop well in the WHL. He’s a complete, 200-foot center with great skating and hockey IQ. While still a year or two away from the NHL, his trajectory is right on course.
Amadeus Lombardi and Dmitri Buchelnikov are two high-ceiling prospects. Lombardi is a speedster with playmaking skill, while Buchelnikov dazzles with offensive creativity from the wing. Both could be impactful in a few seasons.
Defensive Core: Quietly Sturdy and Steady
On the blue line, Detroit’s prospect pool isn’t flashy, but it’s deep and dependable. Simon Edvinsson is perhaps the most important name in the system not named Cossa. Edvinsson is big, skilled, and ready. After a partial NHL season last year, he’s expected to claim a full-time top-four role this season. His skating and vision make him a modern-day top-pair defenseman in the making.
William Wallinder brings size, strength, and smart zone exits. He’s a year away from being a serious NHL option but could slot into Detroit’s bottom pair by 2026. Axel Sandin Pellikka has been excelling in Sweden and could be Detroit’s future power-play quarterback. His skating and puck skills are elite, though he still needs time to round out his game in his own zone.
How Detroit Ranks League-Wide
According to most prospect analysts and development models, Detroit’s pipeline ranks top 5 in the NHL entering the 2025–26 season. The reason? Balance. While many teams excel in one area—like forward depth or a single blue-chip defenseman—Detroit has talent at every position and multiple players knocking on the NHL door.
Yzerman’s approach has been patient and methodical. He’s drafted well, resisted rushing prospects, and supplemented youth with veterans like Alex DeBrincat and Moritz Seider. That strategy is now paying off.
Final Thoughts: The Future Is Almost Here
The Detroit Red Wings are no longer in the rebuilding category. With a top-tier goalie tandem in development, a maturing forward group, and a rock-solid defensive pipeline, the Red Wings are poised to transition from rebuild to contender in the next two seasons.
The 2025–26 campaign could be the last year we see many of these prospects in Grand Rapids or overseas. As the veterans hold down the NHL lineup, the kids are coming fast—and they’re coming prepared.
Detroit fans, the wait is nearly over. The new era of Red Wings hockey, backed by elite goaltending and deep development, is just around the corner and it looks ready to fly.
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