Red Wings Prospect Dimitri Buchelnikov Traded from Vityaz to CSKA Moscow in KHL Shakeup

In a notable move within the KHL, CSKA Moscow has acquired forward Dmitri Buchelnikov from HC Vityaz Podolsk, adding a highly skilled and dynamic winger to their roster.

The trade signals a significant opportunity for Buchelnikov, a former second-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings, to take the next step in his development with one of Russia’s most prestigious hockey clubs.

Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) on XDimitri Buchelnikov(2nd round’22) has been traded to CSKA #LGRW

Buchelnikov, 20, was drafted 52nd overall by Detroit in the 2022 NHL Draft, a selection that raised some eyebrows at the time due to his limited exposure outside Russia.

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Since then, he’s continued to develop in the KHL system, splitting time between SKA St. Petersburg and its affiliates before being loaned to Vityaz Podolsk in 2023-24.

With Vityaz, Buchelnikov enjoyed his most productive KHL campaign to date, registering 13 goals and 19 points in 44 games, showcasing his elite skating, quick release, and knack for finding space in the offensive zone.

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The move to CSKA marks Buchelnikov’s third KHL team in just two seasons, but it also represents his clearest chance yet to compete at a high level in a playoff-caliber environment.

CSKA, a perennial contender in the KHL and 2023 Gagarin Cup finalists, boasts a strong development pipeline and could help unlock more of Buchelnikov’s offensive upside. The Moscow-based club has a track record of refining young talent into top-end pros, something the Red Wings will be watching closely as they evaluate Buchelnikov’s long-term NHL potential.

Detroit, meanwhile, still retains Buchelnikov’s NHL rights. Though he has not yet signed a contract with the Red Wings, his growing production and now a larger stage in Moscow could accelerate interest in bringing him to North America in the coming years.

That said, with the complex nature of KHL-NHL transfers and Buchelnikov’s contract situation in Russia, patience will likely be required from the Red Wings’ front office.

Buchelnikov’s KHL trade is part of a broader trend of young Russian prospects being shuffled among top-tier teams for both development and cap reasons.

His move to CSKA comes with higher expectations and increased spotlight, but if his trajectory continues to climb, he could soon emerge as one of Russia’s top young forwards—and a potential future asset for Detroit if he makes the leap across the Atlantic.

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