Detroit Red Wings Prospect Pool Ready for Larkin Departure

J.P. Hurlbert posted 97 points in his first WHL season after Detroit selected him 23rd overall following the Cossa trade.

Top Forwards Poised for NHL Roles

Carter Bear returned from injury in 2025 without elite counting stats yet still displayed the motor that made him a first-round pick. Detroit projects the forward straight to the AHL where his relentless forechecking will translate immediately. Bear will likely see NHL games during the 2026-27 campaign to inject energy.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard opened 2025-26 in the NHL before posting 44 points in 60 AHL games. The Norwegian forward already hunts pucks on the forecheck and finishes in the slot with a pro-style game. He enters 2026-27 as a leading candidate for a bottom-six roster spot.

Nate Danielson received 28 NHL games last season but struggled with pace before returning to the AHL. The two-way center still projects as a middle-six option and could receive expanded minutes if Larkin is traded. Danielson’s safe floor remains his primary asset.

Carter Mazur scored at a high rate in the AHL before a four-month injury absence. After a healthy offseason the winger will push for a larger NHL role and could regain his goal-scoring touch at the league level.

Max Plante impressed with advanced passing and puck retrieval habits after leaving the NTDP. The forward’s consistent work ethic positions him as a long-term middle-six contributor.

Draft Class and Defensive Additions

Detroit used the 23rd overall pick acquired in the Cossa trade to select hyper-skilled winger J.P. Hurlbert, who led the WHL in scoring stretches and finished with 97 points. The team accepted defensive shortcomings to prioritize offensive upside for the first time in several drafts.

Victor Plante joined brother Max after a consistent NTDP season and will compete in the NCAA. The second-rounder’s feisty puck pursuit adds another worker to the forward group.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka appeared in 68 NHL games before finishing in the AHL. The dynamic puck-mover will seek more power-play time and a breakout sophomore campaign.

Anton Johansson flashed puck-moving ability in a brief Griffins stint and enters 2026-27 as a dark horse for NHL minutes. Shai Buium’s solid AHL production after injury suggests a possible long-term AHL role rather than everyday NHL duty.

Goaltending Pipeline and Outlook

Trey Augustine won two Big Ten titles at Michigan State and back-to-back world junior golds before the Wings traded Sebastian Cossa. Augustine will receive the majority of AHL starts and represents the organization’s top netminder prospect.

Michal Orsulak backstopped Czechia to the 2026 world junior final and displayed strong mobility in the WHL. He slots directly behind Augustine in the organizational depth chart.

The Red Wings now hold multiple NHL-caliber prospects at every position after a decade without playoffs. Depth across forward, defense and goaltending will allow the club to absorb Larkin’s potential departure without immediate collapse.