REPORT: Detroit Red Wings prospect REFUSING to join the team

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Ryan
December 22, 2022 (11:50)

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When National Hockey League teams draft European players, sometimes they are taking a big risk. With many professional leagues in their home countries that pay well above the average salary, not everyone's dream is to come to North America to play in the NHL.

This is a situation that is currently happening with the Detroit Red Wings as their 2022 second round pick doesn't have interest in coming over to play in Detroit.

The Red Wings drafted Dmitri Buchelnikov 52nd overall, and since being drafted he has been ripping up some of the leagues in Russia. So far this season, he has played in the 3 major Russian leagues, VHL, MHL and KHL, where he has had stellar numbers in each league:

Unfortunately for the Red Wings, Buchelnikov sights are not on making the Detroit Red Wings, they are on making the St. Petersberg KHL team as a full time player.

When Buchelnikov was asked about his future with Detroit, he answered:

"I don't think about it. I always wanted to get into SKA. That's why I joined the club three years ago. All my thoughts are only about SKA.

I try to make the most of every day. Of course, I would like to return to the KHL as soon as possible. I will be extremely happy about this."

If he does decide to not come play in the NHL, it will be a waste of a high draft pick for the Red Wings. This could result in Russian players taking a major hit in upcoming draft rankings.