What are YOUR projections and comparables for Red Wings prospects?

[The Zetterberg Era]

Danielson does the suffocating defense while playing cleaner, similar to Zetterberg, Ryan O'Reilly (who might be a good comparison) and Bergeron. His speed allows him to escape with the puck on the breakout because his skating might be a shade below Larkin.

Kasper and Toews/Kessler/Coutourier are in a similar mould. Each is going to shadow their opponent, but they might get a sneaky elbow in or blow up a winger behind the net with his head down. Kasper is a great skater in his own right but it's not as good as Danielson's. He's much more effective by winning that 50/50 battle down low and getting the puck to his outlet.

It'll be fun to see how this next season plays out; Is Kasper the top line LW with Larkin while Danielson plays 2C? Or the other way around? (It's kind of what I'm expecting with the way the last few free agency periods have gone for Detroit.)

It would be nice to see Nate come in at 200 lbs or above after the offseason. I think a little more size with that speed would give his game a lot more bite in those 50/50s. I think it opens up letting him start on the wing. You can also go with dominant hand draws, the idea of having our top line win faceoffs at a 60% clip is intriguing to me. I know a small aspect but something that can save and cause goals over a long season.

I like breaking in guys on the wing though, certainly giving Kasper back to Larkin and Raymond could give us a top 10 line in the league which is intriguing. Can Danielson support Kane and Debrincat already this year?

 

[Frk It]

MBN I think will be pound for pound one of the strongest guys in the league. He has that bull in a china shop type of game even though he’s only 6’1, I think if you look at tom Wilson’s season last year, that’s a potential similar outlook for peak MBN, but without the elite fighting ability and MBN being smaller.

I think he can be a better version of this player, but I have seen him as being kind of like Zetterlund, who is a literal brick shithouse.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

I see a good complimentary player when I look at MBN. Someone who can probably play on line 2 and someone your skill players love to play with.

I like the shot (particularly the one timer), the ability to retrieve pucks, the forechecking, and the compete.

Question for me has always been how much can he improve his puck skills/playmaking?

I was hoping he would have a +1 season like ASP to turn me into more of a believer, but he really didn't.

I would have pretty tempered expectations for him compared to others. But as I was going to say in the Danielson thread, I think projecting some of these kids is pretty volatile at the moment. There are still a pretty wide range of outcomes for MBN/Danielson/ASP etc. Would like to get more info ideally to have that picture be clearer still.

It was his first season in the SHL and he was coming to a shit show of a team while dealing with a groin injury. MBN wasn't trusted with top 9 minutes often. But when the playoffs came around and he played more, he scored more. Then when he showed up to the national team at the WC he instantly became a top 2 player on that team any given night.

The thing I really appreciate about MBN is his ability to rise to the occasion when given an opportunity. In his draft year he started out slow, scoring at about the same pace as Dvorsky (who got ushered out of the SHL in his D+1, btw...) but when his ice time ramped up MBN took that opportunity and ran with it. His playoffs last year were phenomenal.

And again, don't be scared of posting projections. That's why I put low, high, expected. You can go wild! Try posting one and have fun with it.

 

[SirloinUB]

Buchelnikov and Danielson have every tool to be offensive forces in the NHL imo (except maybe height for Buch). Remains to be seen if they ever achieve that but, to me, nothing about their game suggests they should either bust or remain bottom of the lineup type of players. They have everything they need to become impact players.

Someone said it best about Danielson during last season when they said something along the lines of (paraphrasing) "if only he knew how nasty he actually is, he'd score a lot more". I think it might just be a mental thing for him that could with time or not but it does remind me of Raymond when some weren't convinced about his offensive potential because of his production in Sweden but watching him made it clear to me that he'd probably have an easier time producing at the NHL level with better players because he already had the proper pro habits that would translate. I think something similar could happen with Danielson (and I guess it did happen with Kasper already).

It blows my mind when people call Danielson a low ceiling player. Time will tell how good he is but in a range of possible outcomes he absolutely has a high end ceiling. Highly skilled, a fast and powerful skater, sneaky good shot, highly competitive, and great hockey IQ. I know at times the production can be a little underwhelming but if you watch the kid he clearly has the total package.

It will be interesting to see how well he can put it together over the coming years

 

[SCD]

I see MBN's upside as a smaller version of Todd Bertuzzi. Punishing to play against, great in the corners, home will be below the circles.

I am concerned that he will be unable to avoid the often stupid penalty which undermines the coach's trust.

 

[Frk It]

It was his first season in the SHL and he was coming to a shit show of a team while dealing with a groin injury. MBN wasn't trusted with top 9 minutes often. But when the playoffs came around and he played more, he scored more. Then when he showed up to the national team at the WC he instantly became a top 2 player on that team any given night.

The thing I really appreciate about MBN is his ability to rise to the occasion when given an opportunity. In his draft year he started out slow, scoring at about the same pace as Dvorsky (who got ushered out of the SHL in his D+1, btw...) but when his ice time ramped up MBN took that opportunity and ran with it. His playoffs last year were phenomenal.

And again, don't be scared of posting projections. That's why I put low, high, expected. You can go wild! Try posting one and have fun with it.

I genuinely don't have a great feel for what MBN is going to end up as or I would. I think a lot of it will depend on his linemates and how they gel and how much more he can develop his playmaking.

Sorry if that's a cop-out, lol.

I have said for awhile that I see ASP being like Sami Vatanen for Anaheim circa 2014-2018. Pretty much the exact same build and they move on the ice nearly identical, IMO. That is one I feel pretty decent about.

Danielson is a tough one for me. I really think he can/will put things together over the next 12 months, but I kind of want to see it first. I agree with some of the other comp's people have thrown out for him.

One of the more interesting guys to me is Plante, and I wonder if he could turn into something like Ehlers if everything goes right.

 

[norrisnick]

Buchelnikov and Danielson have every tool to be offensive forces in the NHL imo (except maybe height for Buch). Remains to be seen if they ever achieve that but, to me, nothing about their game suggests they should either bust or remain bottom of the lineup type of players. They have everything they need to become impact players.

Someone said it best about Danielson during last season when they said something along the lines of (paraphrasing) "if only he knew how nasty he actually is, he'd score a lot more". I think it might just be a mental thing for him that could with time or not but it does remind me of Raymond when some weren't convinced about his offensive potential because of his production in Sweden but watching him made it clear to me that he'd probably have an easier time producing at the NHL level with better players because he already had the proper pro habits that would translate. I think something similar could happen with Danielson (and I guess it did happen with Kasper already).

*TRIGGER WARNING*

Seems like he has self-identity issues similar to a younger Franzen. Both were heavily relied upon on being almost 3rd defensemen rather than offensive producers.

 

[izlez]

Here's one more since y'all are slacking.

Carter Mazur
Low End: On the low end Mazur is a pesky 20 to 30 point 4th liner that complements a decent checking line. A faster Patrick Eaves (with hopefully better health)
High End: I don't think we're going to see him turn into Zach Hyman in Edmonton but he could be Hyman in Toronto? Solid production to complement a top 6 line. 50ish points. Good defense.
Expected Outcome: A pesky, plus level 3rd liner that gets 30-40 points a year and is a great penalty killer. One of those guys that you think is in the top 3rd of 3rd liners like Blake Coleman.
Why I think this: My worry is that health problems and the way Mazur plays with a recklessness that leads to more injuries and that prospects with higher pedigree are what ultimately keeps him out of the top 6. Mazur also has a very strong B game that would make him a terrific role player on a team. With guys like MBN coming up, Raymond on the top line, DeBrincat already here, and the utility of Kasper at either wing or center keeps Mazur from cracking the top 6 with regularity.

High end: Brad Marchand (100 pts in a season Marchand)
Expected: Tyler Bertuzzi (can play many roles but happy to throw him on the 1st line and have him score at a pace of 48 points in 71 games to 62 points in 68 games)

 

[SantosHalper]

Cossa - Mike Smith
Augustine - Jimmy Howard

Edvinsson - Jay Bouwmeester
ASP - Brian Rafalski
AlJo - Anton Strålman
AnJo - Jonathan Ericsson
Cleveland - Brendan Witt
Buium - Jeff Petry
Wallinder - Danny DeKeyser

MBN - Marty Lapointe
Kasper - Matt Tkachuk
Danielson - Patrice Bergeron
Plante - Valtteri Filppula
Kiiskinen - Niklas Hagman
Finnie - Darren Helm
Buchelnikov - Nikita Gusev
James - Jan Mursak
Lombardi - Tomas Tatar
Mazur - Doug Brown
N.Dower-Nilsson - Jonathan Berggren

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

Cossa - Mike Smith
Augustine - Jimmy Howard

Edvinsson - Jay Bouwmeester
ASP - Brian Rafalski
AlJo - Anton Strålman
AnJo - Jonathan Ericsson
Cleveland - Brendan Witt
Buium - Jeff Petry
Wallinder - Danny DeKeyser

MBN - Marty Lapointe
Kasper - Matt Tkachuk
Danielson - Patrice Bergeron
Plante - Valtteri Filppula
Kiiskinen - Niklas Hagman
Finnie - Darren Helm
Buchelnikov - Nikita Gusev
James - Jan Mursak
Lombardi - Tomas Tatar
Mazur - Doug Brown
N.Dower-Nilsson - Jonathan Berggren

Outside of bergeron tkachuk all those names there makes me think we need another rebuild

 

[RRhoads]

I see MBN as a better Perron

 

[FriendlyGhost92]

MBN I think will be pound for pound one of the strongest guys in the league. He has that bull in a china shop type of game even though he’s only 6’1, I think if you look at tom Wilson’s season last year, that’s a potential similar outlook for peak MBN, but without the elite fighting ability and MBN being smaller.

I was a huge fan of Corey Pronman repeatedly calling him an "Average frame" guy going into and following the draft.

6' 1" 207 lb combine measurements for an 18 year old is somehow "Average".

 

[SantosHalper]

Outside of bergeron tkachuk all those names there makes me think we need another rebuild

It's not that bad, when you add Larkin=Kesler, Seider=Chelios and Raymond=Kucherov. It's start to look good and Cat in there as well and i know, you see him being traded. Kucherov after 4th season 0.82 PPG and Ray is slightly behind 0.79, but Ray has played in team that's far worse.

Everyone in their prime.

Cat - Kesler - Kucherov (scoring line)
Tkachuk - Bergeron - Lapointe (shutdown line)
Brown - Filppula - Tatar/Gusev/Berggren (secondary scoring)
Hagman - Helm - Mursak (the SPEEEED, high energy line)

Bouwmeester - Chelios
X - Rafalski
Ericsson/Petry - Strålman
Witt/DeKeyser

Smith
Howard

Looks like we are 1 top-4 D too short, maybe it is time to draft D-man this friday. Smith=Esa Lindell or Aitcheson=Brad Stuart?

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

It's not that bad, when you add Larkin=Kesler, Seider=Chelios and Raymond=Kucherov. It's start to look good and Cat in there as well and i know, you see him being traded. Kucherov after 4th season 0.82 PPG and Ray is slightly behind 0.79, but Ray has played in team that's far worse.

Everyone in their prime.

Cat - Kesler - Kucherov (scoring line)
Tkachuk - Bergeron - Lapointe (shutdown line)
Brown - Filppula - Tatar/Gusev/Berggren (secondary scoring)
Hagman - Helm - Mursak (the SPEEEED, high energy line)

Bouwmeester - Chelios
X - Rafalski
Ericsson/Petry - Strålman
Witt/DeKeyser

Smith
Howard

Looks like we are 1 top-4 D too short, maybe it is time to draft D-man this friday. Smith=Esa Lindell or Aitcheson=Brad Stuart?

I dont know man some of these comparisons are depressing me lmao hope your wrong on most

Gusev was garbage in the NHL if that's the case ship buchelnikov now ... hagman?? Bye bye kiiskinen ... jan mursak? Ciao Dylan James

And dylan wishes he was like Kesler hes too big a wimp to be like him

 

[SantosHalper]

hagman?? Bye bye kiiskinen

Umm.. 770 games in NHL

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

Umm.. 770 games in NHL

If hes projected as a 4th liner and he can be of value in a package deal, ship him

 

[Our Lady Peace]

Nate Danielson

Low end: Jeff Halpern-type #3C
High end: Mikko Koivu-type #1C

Expected outcome: ~20/35/55 playmaker with a high-end defensive/transition game

Why I think this: To put it simply, the team with the puck on their stick the most usually wins games. Danielson will get you the puck 200 feet from the opposing goal and tilt the ice back the other way with speed and energy in the tank. Situated next to proper NHL top 6 wingers will bring out underrated offensive numbers. Makes their lives easier and he covers ice easily. I am very bullish on his highest ceiling, but will leave it at M. Koivu for now


Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

Low end: Lawson Crouse-type #3 RW
High end: Nathan Horton-type Top-6 scoring RW

Expected outcome: ~25/20/45 goal scoring possession monster that wrecks everything along the boards

Why I think this: This guy can buy time and space for his teammates by being immovable. When help arrives, he has the timing down pat to drift away from pressure and fall into small pockets of space and get open for a shot on goal. To which, he has a lethal array of shots in his arsenal


Axel Sandin-Pellikka

Low end: Sean Durzi-type offensive #5D
High end: Kris Letang-type offensive #1/2D

Expected outcome: ~15/35/50 #2/3D, offensive PP1 QB

Why I think this: Even if ASP is a tire-fire in his own zone, the offensive threat from inside the blueline will be coveted enough for him to get a decent look in the NHL. Especially with the way he keeps pucks in and fires from the point. So far so good for Detroit, and his first looks will be given this coming training camp. Detroit has invested a lot in his overall game. The boom could be huge, especially with the supporting cast he has in Detroit already


Dmitri Buchelnikov

Low end: KHL star
High end: Artemi Panarin-lite Top-6 RW

Expected outcome: ~25/25/50 Evgeny Dadonov-type #2/3RW with speedy, crafty offensive play that thrives on the PP, and sheltered at 5v5

Why I think this: Potentially the next overlooked Russian offensive star, Buchelnikov is like a bullet on the counter-attack and carves up the ice with the puck, whilst boasting a great all-around shooting threat. Another season taking over the KHL may make him top 6-ready when he hits North American ice in spring or fall 2026


Carter Mazur

Low end: Tyler Pitlick-type #4LW or RW
High end: Reilly Smith-type #2/3LW or RW

Expected outcome: ~15/20/35, JT Compher-type #3LW or RW

Why I think this: He needs to stay healthy and make his mark on the Red Wings roster in September, but the puck follows him and he can get shots off from range or score from in tight. Good skater though not a major burner, but solid defensively too. Would make a great Michigan hometown success story if he pans out


Amadeus Lombardi

Low end: AHL star
High end: JG Pageau-type bulldog #2/3C or LW

Expected outcome: ~15/25/40 Tyler Ennis-type #3C or LW

Why I think this: A slippery puck hound and relentless along the boards, Lombardi is an opportunistic scorer and a crafty puck handler and playmaker to boot. He has continued to develop and might have a sneaky decent career for the Red Wings. Developed a better two-way game at C during the latter part of 2025 season and was consistently a top 3 Griffin for the last 20 games including playoffs

 

[Coach Reggie Dunlop]

The more I look at that peterka trade, the more I think it’s actually better long term for what Buffalo is building. They need good right shot defenseman to help their defense, they’ve been a good offense for awhile but have struggled In their own zone, that trade makes them bigger and more difficult to play against. Doan will probably be a 15/15 3rd liner in his prime too.

 

[Coach Reggie Dunlop]

The more I look at that peterka trade, the more I think it’s actually better long term for what Buffalo is building. They need good right shot defenseman to help their defense, they’ve been a good offense for awhile but have struggled In their own zone, that trade makes them bigger and more difficult to play against. Doan will probably be a 15/15 3rd liner in his prime too.

Edit: posted in the wrong thread.

 

[Henkka]

I don't know about Larkin tbh, Danielson won't be scoring that many goals. I struggle to find somebody who blends strong skating, defensive prowess and pass-first attitude. Most pass-first centers were rather west-east players. Maybe Barzal? But he is a winger nowadays. I think Filppula is a good one though.

Is Danielson pass-first? I remember him shooting very well. If so, he is very much "Filppula". Filppula had a great shot, but didn't use it very much. I hope Danielson is different.