Detroit Red Wings’ top 3 prospects to watch out for in 2024/25 season

By Evan Bell

Modified Aug 06, 2024 16:51 GMT

The Detroit Red Wings have one of the best prospect pools in the NHL. With plenty of standouts in it, the team is in a good place for the future as they continue to develop young talent. This year, the team also made three selections across the first three rounds of the draft after making five picks in the first two rounds last season.

In addition to their slew of draft picks, the team has also bolstered their roster this offseason, while retaining key players like Patrick Kane and Christian Fischer. The team also notably acquired Vladimir Tarasenko on a two-year deal in free agency and traded for Alex DeBrincat this summer to bolster their forward group.

After missing the playoffs for eight straight years, the team is eager to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after narrowly missing out on a chance to compete for the Cup last season.

This year, we'll also likely see some prospects from the Red Wings pool make the jump to the NHL, with several poised to be difference-makers for the team in the year ahead.

2024-25 season Detroit Red Wings top three prospects

#1: Axel Sandin-Pellikka

NHL: NHL Draft - Source: Imagn

Last season, Axel Sandin-Pellikka played a huge role in Sweden capturing second place in the World Junior Championships despite being the youngest defenceman on the team. While he may be considered undersized for his position, he has shown flashes of brilliance in recent years, and as such, has been one of the most talked-about prospects of Detroit.

While he may not be a staple of the team's defensive lines this season, at 19 years old, expect him to make his presence felt in the limited opportunities he gets with the team.

#2: Marco Kasper

NHL: NHL Draft - Source: Imagn

Last season, after spending just one game with the Detroit Red Wings in the previous campaign, Marco Kasper played 71 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins AHL team, logging 35 points in 71 games.

The eighth-overall pick in 2022 is primarily known for his passing and his playmaking abilities, with IQ well beyond his years. However, as he showed last season in the AHL, he's also a scoring threat. After a big year in the AHL, expect him to skate for the Red Wings again this season.

#3: Nate Danielson

NHL: Preseason-Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks - Source: Imagn

Nate Danielson has been dominant in the WHL, logging 41 points in 28 games last season with the Portland Winterhawks. Late in the year, he was reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Detroit Red Wings AHL affiliate, where he played in two playoff games as the team competed for the Calder Cup.

This season, he's expected to primarily play in the AHL, however, given his play in the WHL, he's likely to make a few appearances for the Red Wings.