Red Wings Prospect No Longer Figment of Yzerman’s Imagination

“They showed me the arena, the changing room, which was interesting for me,” Buchelnikov said, recounting his first visit to Little Caesars Arena. As the only Russian in the group, it also was enabling Buchelnikov to display his grasp of the English language.

“It was hard, but in any case, you get out of your comfort zone and communicate in English,” Buchelnikov said. “I showed that I’m not afraid to come and it was an interesting experiment for me. America is another part of the world.”

Buchelnikov Still Eyeing NHL Future

Back in Russia playing for Vityaz of the KHL. on Monday Buchelnikov and his teammates were absorbing an 8-1 thrashing at the hands of SKA St. Petersburg, his first KHL club.

He follows the NHL intently and believes that this will be the season in which the Red Wings are bringing to a halt the club’s long time playoff absence.

“Yes,” Buchelnikov said. “Vladimir Tarasenko signed. He is a very good hockey player. They kept Patrick Kane and extended the young guys – Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.”

He believes there’s a future for him with the Red Wings, but doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to make it happen.

“They still see some benefit for themselves if I come,” he said of the Red Wings. “But the last decision is up to me.

“Let’s see how it will be. I’m glad to be here now, but who wouldn’t want to be in the NHL?”