The Detroit Red Wings are proving that being second best isn't always a bad thing—at least not yet. Under the steady hand of general manager Steve Yzerman, the franchise has made 15 selections in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft, and while the results are still taking shape, there's plenty of reason for optimism.
During the 2025-26 season, only two of those picks were skating in the NHL, and just one was wearing the iconic Winged Wheel. That lone standout? Defenseman Albert Johansson, selected 60th overall in 2019, who has carved out a role as a regular on Detroit's blue line. For the rest, the jury is still out—but that doesn't mean the cupboard is bare.
Of the 15 second-round selections, only six are definitively out of the Red Wings' future plans. Forwards Robert Mastrosimone (54th, 2019) and Theodor Niederbach (51st, 2020) weren't offered contracts, while Cross Hanas (55th, 2020) played for the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins but was allowed to walk when his entry-level deal expired. Defenseman Donovan Sebrango (63rd, 2020) now suits up for the Florida Panthers, and Andrew Gibson (42nd, 2023) was traded to the Nashville Predators—though winger Jesse Kiiskinen came back in that deal and is currently developing with the Griffins as a promising NHL prospect. Winger Dmitri Buchelnikov (52nd, 2022) was part of the Justin Faulk trade to the St. Louis Blues.
But here's where the story gets exciting: the Griffins are loaded with Detroit's second-round picks as they battle through the AHL Calder Cup playoffs. Defensemen Antti Tuomisto (35th, 2019), William Wallinder (32nd, 2020), and Shai Buium (36th, 2021) are all logging big minutes in Grand Rapids, and goalie Trey Augustine (41st, 2023) is turning heads as one of the organization's top netminding prospects. Forwards Dylan James (40th, 2022) and Eddie Genborg (44th, 2023) round out a talented group that could soon make the jump to Detroit.
"I've always been a Red Wings fan… hopefully one day I'll get to wear the Winged Wheel," said Augustine, who has played his entire hockey career in Michigan. With the pipeline this deep, that day might come sooner than later for many of these young stars.