The Detroit Red Wings always knew it was likely to be later rather than sooner when they’d get their first chance to size up Russian prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov.
Now, it’s looking as though it might be even later than they originally thought.
There are published reports out of Russia that Buchelnikov and SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL will be agreeing on a two-year contract extension. The player chosen 51st overall by Detroit in the 2022 NHL entry draft was about to enter the final season of the three-year pact with the KHL club.
Instead, the report is indicating that the previous contract will be torn up and a new one signed beginning with this season. If that’s the case, he’ll be locked into playing in Russia through the 2025-26 season.
It’s going to be for more more than Buchelnikov’s previous deal. However, it’s also reportedly will be a two-way deal, meaning that SKA would be able to send Buchelnikov down to the VHL, the Russian second division.
Red Wings Pick Returning To SKA
May 1 is UFA day in the KHL. It’s also when players who were on season loan to other clubs are returning to the roster of their original team, so Buchelnikov is back with SKA. He’d spent most of the season on loan to Admiral.
“Before moving to Admiral, I wondered for about a month where they could loan me out, and whether they would loan me out at all,” Buchelnikov told KHL.ru. “There were enough options – Lada, Sochi, Amur, and Admiral. Until the last moment I did not know how the situation was developing. Then the agent called: “That’s it, we’re going to the Admiral.”
“It was a day off, my mother and I were walking the dog in the forest. Both my mother and I were happy and took this news positively. Everyone wants to play in the KHL. When there is a chance, how can you not take advantage of it?”
Buchelnikov certainly did just that. He wound up second in goals (13) and third in points (29) while playing 55 games. He was recognized as KHL rookie of the month for February.
However, Admiral is in Vladivostok in the Far East of Russia. Buchelnikov did admit that the long road trips wound up taking a toll on him both physically and mentally.
“From the point of view of everyday life, Vladivostok is not exactly exotic,” Buchelnikov acknowledged. “Yes, at some points it’s a little hard.
“I flew away with my team twice. My body took the first trip well, but the second trip was more difficult and I experienced a little jet lag. There are some tricks – after the flight, go to the sauna, work out, stretch your body. This helps a lot.”
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