Detroit Red Wings are No. 5 in 2025 NHL prospect pool rankings

Welcome to Scott Wheelers 2025 rankings of every NHL organizations prospects .

You can find the complete ranking and more information on the project and its criteria here , as we count down daily from No.

32 to No.

1.

The series, which includes in-depth evaluations and insight from sources on nearly 500 prospects, runs from Jan.

8 to Feb.

7.

Advertisement The Red Wings have a pretty unique pool in that the pools that typically rank in this range have a true star forward prospect; they have several very good ones but none that project to play on a first line.

Instead, their star prospects are on defense and in net, with one of the top D prospects in the sport and two of the top goalie prospects in the sport supporting strong depth up front.

Axel Sandin Pellikkas emergence as a potential top offensive defenseman moved the Red Wings from more of a top-10 pool to No.

5 for me.

2024 prospect pool rank: No.

2 (change: -3) GO DEEPER NHL prospect pool rankings 2025: Scott Wheeler evaluates all 32 farm systems 1.

Axel Sandin Pellikka, RHD, 19 (Skelleftea AIK) Sandin Pellikka has had a brilliant run in the SHL the last two seasons, producing at near-historic rates as a teenager in both, winning an SHL title, winning back-to-back directorate awards as the top defenseman at the World Juniors (he was Swedens youngest defenseman the first time he did, too) and emerging this season to play 20 minutes per game and become one of the leagues most productive defensemen regardless of age.

Sandin Pellikka is an individually talented, competitive 5-foot-11 defenseman with natural scoring instincts and the tools to execute.

Hes got really good edges and mobility and has shown improved speed in straight lines to pull away from chasers (with more room for growth there still).

He walks the line to get shots through at a high level, wants the puck in the offensive zone and has the skill and shot to make things happen when teammates find him off the point or as the trailer off the rush (which he often activates into).

He keeps his head up in the neutral and defensive zones and is a confident puck carrier on exits and entries.

Though hes not big, hes athletic and he plays hard and physical and engages in battles in the defensive zone with some sneaky strength.

Hes got a good stick.

He does a good job maintaining gaps and matching opposing forwards step for step skating backward and times his close-outs and pinches effectively.

He can really shoot it with a pinpoint accurate shot, a wrister that comes off hard and an eagerness to put pucks on net from the point.

Hes got comfortable handles.

He walks the line looking for his shot and chances to take space off it to attack into better spots, but hell find open teammates cross-ice through seams as well and is seeing the ice better and better.

There are times when he can wait too long to make his decisions and I wouldnt call him super creative or a highlight reel type, but hes very talented, he makes good choices more often than hes careless and he has progressed really rapidly.

Advertisement He projects as a high-end offensive defenseman and defensively capable second-pairing one at five-on-five.

When hes on, he can control the game in all three zones and really drive shot creation.

2.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW/LW, 19 (Skelleftea AIK) I think Brandsegg-Nygard, Nate Danielson and Marco Kasper are all extremely close comps and I could have slotted them here in any order.

Danielson and Kasper are also natural centers, which plays into the conversation vis-a-vis a winger.

But ultimately I think Brandsegg-Nygard will just have a little more scoring punch and presence about his game at the NHL level in the prime of his career.

Brandsegg-Nygard is a very well-rounded and projectable winger.

Hes an October birthday with a pro frame who played to above a point per game at the junior level and scored his first pro goal in HockeyAllsvenskan two seasons ago.

If not for knee surgery in March 2023, he might have played for Norways senior national team at mens worlds before his draft year had even started.

He then got back in time for his draft year and got off to an excellent start, registering nine points in his first three J20 games and quickly establishing himself back with the pro club, building as the season progressed toward a standout postseason that saw him register 10 points in 12 playoff games at Swedens second-rung pro level.

This year, he has played on loan with the reigning SHL champs in Swedens top flight, averaging 16 minutes per game and contributing at five-on-five and on the power play.

He also scored two goals in three Olympic qualifying games for Norway and had a four-goal game in a mens worlds tuneup against Denmark last spring.

His numbers dont pop in the SHL and he only scored one goal at the Division 1A World Juniors for Norway in December but he did lead the entire tournament in shots on goal with 25 in five games so Im not reading into it too much.

Advertisement Brandsegg-Nygards game is built upon his work ethic and drive.

Hes a multifaceted shooter who can score from the top of the circles with his wrister but also gets down to one knee and really powers through a good one-touch shot skills that have helped him excel on both the flank and the bumper on the power play across domestic and international levels.

Hes not a dynamic individual play creator but hes got pro size (6-foot-1 and a strong 198 pounds), he works extremely hard and engages himself in the play, he plays well off his linemates and hes got good all-around skill.

He also plays the game with a physical tilt even against pros, constantly engaging in battles, bowling players over and keeping his effort level ramped up.

Hes got a commitment to staying on pucks and finishing his checks and uses a long stick to protect pucks well out wide to his body.

Hes got good straight-line skating.

He looks like a projectable middle-six push-and-pop driver and shooter to me, and potentially a solid top-sixer as the third guy on a more talented line with the right development.

There are some who wonder about his skill in terms of NHL points, but you wont find any who dont at least like his game/style and I think its going to translate into a real go-getter with some jam at the NHL level.

3.

Marco Kasper, C, 20 (Detroit Red Wings/Grand Rapids Griffins) You wont find anyone in the SHL, with the Austrian hockey federation or working for an NHL club in amateur scouting who doesnt like (or at least appreciate) Kaspers game and approach to it.

His rookie season in the AHL last year started a little slow but he figured out how he needed to impact play and was good in the playoffs.

He built upon that to start this season and quickly earn an NHL call-up that he hasnt looked back from.

You have to remind yourself of his age and that he has already been a contributor across more than 250 pro games (44 points in 136 combined SHL regular-season and playoff games across three seasons from 2017-19, 15 points in 22 Champions Hockey League games, 44 points in 82 games in the AHL and now coming up on 50 NHL games played).

He has played his best hockey in the NHL to date of late as well, handling increased responsibility well.

Advertisement I like his patience with the puck.

He doesnt shy away from trying to beat or out-wait guys (whether through changes of directions out of stop-ups or curls) and he doesnt panic.

Hes also a good skater who never lacks effort and stops on pucks.

Hes an advanced 200-foot forward for his age who was able to progress up levels as fast as he did because of how rounded his game is.

Hes feisty and fights off his fair share of checks to stay on pucks.

Hes 6-foot-1 and plays between 180-190 pounds.

Theres a bit of a hunch to his stride, but he leverages his edges well, building speed through the neutral zone to push pace with the puck.

I dont see high-end NHL skill or finishing, but he plays with pro pace, hes a good passer, he plays on the interior and he makes little plays all over the ice.

The maturity and smarts in his game define him.

He plays a low-mistake, effective game.

And maybe most importantly, he has handled the responsibilities of center ice well in the AHL, SHL and now NHL the last three seasons as well (though hes only winning about 47 percent of his draws in the NHL, he has always driven possession at five-on-five across levels).

I dont think hes ever going to be dynamic enough with the puck to become a big point producer, but hes got all of the makings of a good middle-six pivot who can influence play in all three zones, create his fair share of offense at five-on-five and on a second power-play unit and potentially even provide all-situations value on the penalty kill (he played regularly on the PK for the Griffins last year).

Hes a good player.

4.

Nate Danielson, C, 20 (Grand Rapids Griffins) Danielson is a good prospect having a good rookie season in the AHL whos going to be a good NHLer.

Hes going to be an effective and potentially impactful top-nine forward and have a long career.

But his skill has never grabbed me and Ive always wanted to see him score more.

His counting stats in junior never popped when you contextualized them with his late birthday and near-2022 draft eligibility.

He has some pedigree.

Danielson was an MVP of Albertas U15 AAA circuit and the No.

5 pick into the WHL.

He was a point-per-game player and one of Brandons top producers three seasons ago.

He was named captain of the Wheat Kings for his draft year and after a bit of a slow start to it came back into his own and finished with 33 goals and 78 points as the best player on a bad team.

And then last year he was an effective bottom-sixer for Canada at the World Juniors and the counting stats began to come more after a move from Brandon to Portland, but even then he didnt light up the league (post-trade he had 41 points in 28 regular-season games, an impressive 100-point pace over 68 games and a noteworthy uptick but still would have landed him third on the Winterhawks in scoring and outside of top 10 in the WHL).

This season, he has been consistently good for the Griffins, is logging 19-20 minutes per game in the AHL as a 20-year-old rookie, and is probably owed a little more than his modest production indicates.

Advertisement Danielson is well-liked by scouts and should become a solid middle-six center in the NHL.

He s a pro-sized (6-foot-1, 190 pounds), hardworking pivot who can skate, drive through the middle of the ice, push tempo and play with decent talent level and good overall detail.

He plays a well-rounded two-way game, is a proficient penalty killer, wants to make a difference in all areas when hes on the ice and blends good overall skill with his effort.

He plays with intention and consistency.

He can simplify his game or mold his play to his line or coaching assignment.

His lines tend to spend their shifts in the offensive zone.

Hes a good skater who can play in transition.

Hes a good forechecker.

He has some secondary skill .

Hes a smart player on and off the puck, offensively and defensively.

Though his game lacks dynamism for me, hes a complete player without any glaring holes.

It does feel like he has NHLer written all over him, even if he doesnt grab you with high-end skill.

I did debate ranking him as high as No.

2 here.

Ive just never been able to get excited about his offense.

5.

Sebastian Cossa, G, 22 (Grand Rapids Griffins) Cossa is one of the top goalie prospects in the sport and one of the better goalies in the AHL.

After a really positive season in Grand Rapids last year, making important progress in some important areas, he has continued to build on his natural talent and tools this season, playing to a very high level behind a Central Division-leading Griffins team (its worth noting that Ville Husso and Jack Campbell have also had good numbers in GR this year but Cossa did outperform veteran tandem partner Michael Hutchinson last season).

Hes a huge (6-foot-6), powerful, athletic goalie, and those last two things dont always come with the first.

Hes also a fiery, confident, talkative competitor who doesnt like to get beat (which contrasts with the stoic demeanor we see in many goalies) and wants to command the net and the room.

Bigger goalies often struggle with their movements and their recoveries, but neither is an issue for Cossa.

His positioning (he does a really good job holding his outside edges to be patient on shots) and reflexes (hes got great hands up high) help him block and grab a lot of pucks.

But its his ability to bounce back into his stance or change directions with passes that separate him for a goalie as tall as he is.

His power through his pushes gives him a rare side-to-side ability for a goalie that big.

There have been times over the years when Ive seen him look leaky and really struggle to close his five-hole because of his size (this remains a bit of a recurring issue, though it has improved and he does a really good job kicking pucks aimed for the lower corners).

Hell still occasionally lose himself in his net on scramble plays as those strong pushes to get to tough lateral saves can pull him off his lines.

He can get pulled out of his net overcommitting on dekes.

But he has worked to settle down in each of those areas, his habits have improved with reps and his natural gifts give him undeniable upside.

When hes set and square to shots, hes tough to beat.

Ive seen him look unflappable and make point-blank save after point-blank save when hes dialed in.

Ive also seen him look rattled as shots sneak through holes they shouldnt be finding, though those moments seem to be becoming fewer and further between and also just speak to his ultra-competitive nature.

I still think hes got starter upside due to his combination of size, dexterity and explosiveness in the net.

The Wings should give him every opportunity to win one of their two jobs next season.

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Trey Augustine, G, 19 (Michigan State University) The definition of calm, cool and collected, Augustine is the best goalie prospect to come through the national program since Spencer Knight (I like him more now than I liked Blackhawks goalie prospect Drew Commesso at the same age, for example).

Ive seen him play a ton over the years and Ive always been impressed by his composure and the consistency of his play, whether that was in Plymouth with the program, Germany and Switzerland at two U18 worlds, Halifax, Gothenburg and Ottawa at three World Juniors (and twice in the net for gold) or a trip to East Lansing.

After a strong freshman year last year with the Spartans, he has been even better for them this year and has been a big reason for their revival as a top program.

Hes dialed in, by all accounts just as much off the ice in the way he carries himself and goes about his business as on the ice, where his game has rare detail and intellect for a netminder his age.

Hes good moving on his knees and in a crouch.

Hes good at tracking pucks through traffic and across ice on seam plays.

He plays good, sharp angles.

His rebound control steering pucks into the corners is good.

Hes good at getting down into his butterfly to close his five-hole quickly.

Hes got good control generally.

Hes as good in the lower third as any goalie his age, kicking pucks into the corner instead of out into the slot, and sticking with dekes and five-hole plays.

His athleticism is there when he needs it.

Hes stoic.

Hes just a good goalie.

While hes not big for a goalie (hes listed at 6-foot-1 and 194 pounds) and he can occasionally get frozen glove side or drop pucks into his glove, hes a goalie I have a ton of confidence in projecting to have a good pro career.

He doesnt have obvious starter talent or size, but I could see him getting there (or at the very least becoming a solid, reliable tandem goalie).

Id trust him to play for my team and remain even-keeled any day.

He and Cossa are such different people and goalies as well, which will make for an interesting yin and yang dynamic I think.

Advertisement 7.

Dmitri Buchelnikov, LW, 21 (Vityaz Moscow) Buchelnikov was maybe the most dangerous non- Matvei Michkov forward in the MHL from 2021-23 and is now the most talented non-Ivan Demidov young forward in the KHL.

Hes an offensive dynamo who feels like hes going to be one of the next players to make the jump from top KHL producer to come over and become either an immediate top-six winger in the AHL or maybe even go directly into the NHL.

He was really tiny when he was drafted (5-foot-9, 150 pounds) and is still small (now listed at 5-foot-10 and 170) but the talent level is very real.

Hes a lethal, knifing player and shooter who just lurks until he gets an opportunity and then strikes with a nifty little release or an off-side one-timer.

Hes got touch.

Hes got finesse.

He can beat you from the outside or cutting to the inside because of his hands.

Hes a light, agile skater on cuts who can create his own looks and leads a poor KHL team in scoring as a 21-year-old.

He wants the puck and will make a second-effort play inside the offensive zone to go get it.

Hes deadly on the flank on the power play.

Hell strike quickly and confidently at five-on-five with his skill, feel and attack mentality.

He feels like a AAAA AHL scorer at minimum and could really hit if hes used properly when he comes over.

I thought he was more of a late-round pick on draft day because of his late birthday and size, but he looks more and more like the second-rounder the Red Wings used on him.

Hes a very unique prospect and will make a fascinating case study.

8.

Carter Mazur, LW/RW, 22 (Grand Rapids Griffins) Mazur has been a really positive story for the Red Wings since his third-round selection in 2021.

His play at Denver became a real talking point in college hockey circles, first in a 38-point freshman year on the national champions (tied for third among under-20 forwards that year) and then in a 22-goal (tied for fifth-most in all of college hockey) sophomore season while wearing a letter.

After turning pro and registering six points in six games in the AHL two springs ago and another four points in 10 games with Team USA at mens worlds, his first full season in the AHL last year was a good one he was a regular contributor for the Griffins, finished second on the team in scoring to Jonatan Berggren with 37 points in 60 games and had a strong playoffs (eight in nine).

This season looked like it was going to see him work his way into an NHL call-up before he took a high hit in October that sidelined him for multiple months (he just recently returned to play).

Advertisement Mazurs a hardworking, honest 200-foot winger with enough skill to make plays all over the ice and a finishing knack around the net.

Every team wants the three-zone, competitive winger who can play up and down the lineup and provide secondary scoring, and thats what hes working toward.

Hes physical.

He plays a hard and heavy game.

His office is in front.

Hes got an underrated feel for the puck.

Hes opportunistic offensively because of how quickly he gets pucks off and his timing off pucks getting open into space and pouncing on rebounds.

Hes got some wiry natural strength in his 6-foot, 188-pound frame, and plays with some pushback.

His game really fits the bumper role on the power play because of the way he positions himself to take passes (and how quickly he turns and shoots).

Hes a hound on pucks, hes difficult to knock off them and hes got some sneaky skill.

And then to use some cliches, he plays the right way and does the little things (although I do think he can play a little too much on instinct and chase too often instead at the occasional expense of sound positioning/support).

He doesnt have a ton of creativity or dynamism one-on-one, but hes a straight shooter who should become a good bottom-six winger who can play up the lineup where needed.

9.

William Wallinder, LHD, 22 (Grand Rapids Griffins) Wallinders game has always had the pieces and it really began to come together for him in the SHL over his last two seasons there in advance of a move to North America.

He was undoubtedly one of the leagues best young players in consecutive seasons (which actually included winning its prestigious junior player of the year award, a Champions Hockey League title and a bronze medal at the World Juniors).

His rookie season in the AHL last year was just fine (which was more or less to be expected as he settled into a new country and learned a different game/sheet) in 16 minutes per game of usage but he has taken a step with the Griffins this year.

Hes now averaging 20 per game in a prominent role for them that includes two minutes on both the power play and the penalty kill, and while his offensive numbers dont jump off the page at you I liked what I saw from him in my viewings for this project.

His raw tools all get high grades.

Hes tall (6-foot-4) and long through his stick.

Hes athletic.

Hes got good four-way mobility for that size.

And I still think hes got more to offer and untap in the AHL.

The finer details and skills needed some tweaking into his draft year and coming out of it but the appeal was always there.

I like the confidence he plays with for his size, regularly leading rushes or sliding off the line to the backdoor (which were starting to see more of in the AHL now).

Hes great on stretch passes.

He keeps his head up to find seams when he walks the line.

Hes always going to have transition value (both ways) because of his ability to swallow carriers in neutral ice and use his feet to activate into the rush.

But his shot has also started to balance out (it used to look off-balance and uncoordinated), his decision-making has improved and hes getting himself into less trouble on gaps and reads because hes starting to figure out his timing.

Advertisement He was a horse for Rogle and logged big minutes in all situations, and once Edvinsson moved on from Grand Rapids he stepped into some of those minutes this year.

Wallinder has the tools to become a No.

5-6 if he can continue to build.

Theres still the odd moment of sloppiness but he can use his length and skating to get pucks, advance play and influence what happens on the ice.

10.

Shai Buium, LHD, 21 (Grand Rapids Griffins) Buium stepped into college and helped a team to a national title as an effective player at both ends as a true freshman three years ago, impressing scouts.

Although Im sure he was disappointed not to make the World Junior team two years ago (I actually think Team USA could have used his size on the back end), he also had a decent sophomore year at Denver as well.

Last year, as a 20-year-old junior, he continued to progress, playing a leading role at both ends and on both special teams for the Pioneers and winning his second national title.

He has played 16 minutes per game to strong defensive results in the AHL this year as a rookie as well.

Buium plays a reliable, well-rounded, three-zone game that is built upon a strong foundation of tools, an understanding of the game and a strong 6-foot-3, 210-220-pound build.

Though he has yet to score in the AHL, he has developed his shot into something hes more comfortable with and has developed his quickness just enough as well two tools that needed some work.

He doesnt have a major physical element given his size but he defends well with his stick and can hold and maintain gaps, plus he reads the play at a high level defensively.

Hes also a strong outlet passer who plays a calculating game on both sides of the puck.

There will be more defensive value to his game long-term than offensive value (he swallows up the neutral zone and breaks up a lot of plays inside his own zone) but theres enough skill to his game to at least contribute on offense and he was quite productive for Denver last year (close to a point per game) despite having to share offensive minutes with two players as talented as his little brother Zeev and Avalanche prospect Sean Behrens.

Hes smart and heady, and simple but effective with the puck.

He no longer looks a step slow like he used to and while he remains a touch heavy going forward hes a solid backward skater and just a strong two-way player overall.

I expect him to make a good run at the NHL.

He may top out as organizational depth but I wont be surprised if he becomes a No.

5-7 D either.

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Max Plante, LW, 18 (University of Minnesota-Duluth) The first time I watched Max Plante play, I was scouting his older brother, Zam, now a Penguins prospect and then a star at Hermantown High.

Immediately, Max stood out even next to his older brother for his dynamic puckhandling ability and hardworking disposition.

Where Zams game was about smarts, Maxs was all about working to get the puck and then creating with it (his smarts are also a major, major asset, and funnily enough have become more of his calling card since).

When I was done the viewing on tape, the pair had toyed with the opposition and I texted a Minnesota-area NHL scout to say this: That Max Plante is a demon.

A year later, he was predictably named to the national program.

But there was a hitch: He was really tiny.

So even when he made plays in his U17 year, it always seemed to come with a but.

Now he has grown a couple of inches and while his body (and face) still look like hes behind the curve physically, the playmaking has continued through the NTDP and international play at the U18 level to the U20 level and an excellent start to his college career at Minnesota-Duluth (despite a prolonged absence due to an upper-body injury he suffered in his NCAA debut).

His game is packaged with a well-liked character which has always made him a favorite of coaches and teammates.

He has also clearly worked hard to continue to build a sellable identity as an all-around player and worker when he doesnt have the puck.

He supports well, he plays a team game and then the skill enters the equation when it should rather than as his only thing.

Im a fan of the skill level but also the way he plays the game, which has an endearing quality to it.

He can lack pace but his smarts and feel for spacing and timing compensate (there are times in games when he just cant beat his guy or get to his spot fast enough, but hes not slow and you hope that more jump comes with the physical maturity that should still be ahead of him).

He puts pucks into areas so well for his linemates.

Hes got small area skill, feel and sense.

I could see him surprising some people to become a skilled and determined NHLer.

He really has been great at Minnesota-Duluth.

I think theres a good chance he just tops out as a second-line AHLer/call-up option as well but something about his game just clicks.

12.

Amadeus Lombardi, C, 21 (Grand Rapids Griffins) Lombardi is an incredibly smart player who earned the respect of those around the OHL before he turned pro for the advanced understanding he had of the game.

After a 100-point season to finish his junior career, his transition to the pro game started playing some pretty significant minutes up front but finished playing 9-10 minutes per game (which was fine for a rookie campaign on a deep team).

This year, he stepped into a more prominent role (up from 12 and a half minutes on average last year to almost 17 in the fall) before missing much of the last few months due to injury.

Advertisement Lombardis a player who plays on reads, problem solving, timing and anticipation and sense.

He knows where to be, where to go and how to help connect plays.

Its a hard thing to pinpoint and describe but hes just got real feel for the game.

Hes got quick hands and some natural individual skill, too.

His development is going to need to be the physical kind (they present themselves in things like struggles in the faceoff circle, and playing through contact).

Hes a good athlete but hes got below-average size for a center at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds.

I think hes smart enough to learn and adjust his game so that he can eventually put himself in the NHL conversation, though.

13.

Jesse Kiiskinen, RW, 19 (HPK) Finlands captain at times with their U18 and U20 teams, Kiiskinen really impressed me at the fall 2022 Five Nations in Plymouth, where he was in on eight of their 12 goals, led the team in points and shots and showed both skill and a respectable work rate.

Since then, he has also been one of the more productive players in Finlands top junior league (which once included a 20-shot hat-trick performance), looked like their best player at a U20 Five Nations, led the Finnish World Junior team in goals (six in seven games) to help them to a silver medal in Ottawa and has taken a big step in Liiga this year to become one of the leagues leading scorers and certainly one of its top young players.

Hes dangerous on the flank and point on the power play because of his shot (both a quick wrister and the one-timer on his off-wing) and has excelled there in Liiga this season, forcing opposing teams to respect it and plan for it as a weapon.

He also has a willingness to use his shot as a decoy in his passing game.

He plays hard and gets off the flank to finish plays around the net.

He has a pro frame and strong balance on his skates.

But hes not a quick north-south skater (due in large part to short, almost stunted stride extensions) even though he evades defensemen with cuts and stop-ups to change directions and has looked a step quicker over the last year.

Hes got a pro shot and deft handling skills, with a knack for having the puck in good spots a lot and a confidence flipping the switch to attack mode.

That includes skill at catching and giving saucer passes and good dexterity around the net on tips and redirects.

He doesnt turn 20 until the end of August either, giving him good runway to come over to North America to try to work into the call-up conversation in the AHL eventually.

My only complaint about his game is that it can lack pace at times.

He always seems to be lurking around the net, though, and can make a play up high in the zone too.

Hes also just a likable player.

He may top out as a top-six, PP1 AHL winger but youre looking to build him into a bottom-six winger with some close to the net and mid-range scoring elements.

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Emmitt Finnie, C, 19 (Kamloops Blazers) I had members of the Blazers get in my ear about Finnie when he was a kid playing for their very deep, Memorial Cup-hosting team and I couldnt quite get to where their belief was in him at the time and felt that where he ended up getting picked (in the seventh round) was appropriate.

Boy has he followed the exact path they said he would, though.

Today, hes their captain, their leading scorer (by a lot) and at the edges of the WHLs top 10 in scoring with an NHL contract.

I dont think Finnie is as talented as his points might indicate, or that theyre a sign that hell have NHL offense, but they do indicate that he might be talented enough to project into the fourth-line role that so well suits the rest of his game.

Finnie is a 6-foot-1, 190ish-pound center who works his tail off, can play in all situations, can be relied upon to give a consistent effort and find ways to win shifts and plays his high-energy, driven, stick-to-it game without taking penalties, winning battles cleanly and then making quick, smart decisions with the puck.

He plays with intention and pace.

Hes already a success story for a No.

201 pick in the draft and may just end up as a top-nine AHLer/call-up option who plays some games but I think theres a potential path for him to a depth role.

He has made some plays and shown some skill this year, too.

This is from my most recent viewing (he also scored the overtime winner later on): 15.

Anton Johansson, RHD, 20 (Leksands IF) Johansson is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get, 6-foot-4, 200ish-pound defenseman whose steady game has allowed him to play his three post-draft seasons in the SHL, a compliment to his physical and mental maturity on the ice.

He plays a strong, physical game and moves pucks well enough (though I think his early progression to the pro game has dulled his game/really simplified it).

He knows who he is and plays within himself.

He keeps his head up while carrying it and does a good job getting his shots through with a natural wrister from the point.

Hes a good, flowing skater for his size who is capable of transporting pucks up ice and activating off the line.

Advertisement After a strong showing at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, he worked his way onto the Swedish World Junior team last year.

And while he fell from a top-six role into the No.

7 role, I think that had more to do with the play of Blues first-rounder Theo Lindstein than it did with his own performance (he played 20 and 17 minutes in the first two games and was solid).

This season, after starting playing depth minutes with Leksand in the SHL, he has played 18-22 minutes for them pretty regularly of late.

Hes a high-floor, low-ceiling guy who probably becomes good organizational depth and a solid AHL defenseman.

Could he become a no-fuss No.

6-7 D? Thats the question.

The Tiers As always, each prospect pool ranking is broken down into team-specific tiers in order to give you a better sense of the proximity from one player or group of players to the next.

The Red Wings pool is divided into three tiers: 1, 2-6, 7-15+.

Considered but not ranked were Griffins forward Ondrej Becher (who I enjoyed watching in junior/at the World Juniors and was the final cut here), Grand Rapids D Eemil Viro, 19-year-old Frolunda forward Noah Dower Nilsson (who has always played with skill and poise against his peers but lost most of last season to injury), UMass freshman D Larry Keenan and Minnesota freshman D John Whipple.

(Photo of Axel Sandin Pellikka: Mathias Bergeld / Sipa via AP Images).

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