{"id":430387,"date":"2026-01-27T09:18:39","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T09:18:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/430387\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T09:18:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T09:18:39","slug":"red-wings-pick-on-track-for-return-detroit-hockey-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/430387\/","title":{"rendered":"Red Wings Pick On Track For Return \/ Detroit Hockey Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first season for Detroit<\/a> Red Wings prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov<\/a> with traditional Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow started slowly. Then it came to a complete stop when he underwent shoulder surgery in late November.<\/p>\n

Now, things are steadily getting back on track. The 22-year-old left-winger is back on the ice, continuing his rehab program following surgery.<\/p>\n

#TOR<\/a> Alexei Kruchinin and #CSKA<\/a> #LGRW<\/a> prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov both had the same shoulder surgery. #KHL<\/a> <\/p>\n

Both out till at least February 2026. pic.twitter.com\/of4ZYz4nCY<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) December 2, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cBuchelnikov has also been on the ice for about three days,\u201d CSKA Moscow coach Igor Nikitin recently told the official KHL website. \u201cHe is already working with the puck.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the same time, Nikitin was asking for caution and patience when discussing the status of Detroit\u2019s prize prospect.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are standard terms of recovery after this injury,\u201d Nikitin said. \u201cThat\u2019s why he trains, but still won\u2019t play in matches ahead of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The prognosis following his late-November surgery was a 2-3 month recovery for Buchelnikov. Optimistically, that could put him back in the CSKA Moscow lineup by the end of this month. Realistically, a mid-to-late February return seems more plausible.<\/p>\n

In 30 games with CSKA Moscow this season, Buchelnikov produced 10 goals and 10 assists. Detroit chose him 52nd overall in the 2022 NHL entry draft. He\u2019s in the final year of his KHL contract. That\u2019s leading to hope that Buchelnikov will sign with the Red Wings and come to play in North America next season.<\/p>\n

CSKA Adds Former Red Wings Player<\/p>\n

When Buchelnikov does return to the lineup, he\u2019ll notice that there\u2019s been a change in status when it comes to former Red Wings on the CSKA Moscow roster.<\/p>\n

At the time of his injury, Daniel Sprong<\/a> was the ex-Red Wings player skating with CSKA Moscow. He\u2019s since been traded to Admiral \u2013 Buchelnikov\u2019s old team.<\/p>\n

#HFrandomizer<\/a>
Klim Kostin \u2022 Red Wings
\ud83c\udd9a 2023 OCT 16 \u2022 #NHL<\/a>
Erik Gudbranson \u2022 Blue Jacketshttps:\/\/t.co\/bKEqjNPn2c<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/KvKWmOGmsR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 HockeyFights.com (@hockeyfights) October 16, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n

The KHL trade deadline was on the weekend. Among the moves made by CSKA Moscow<\/a> was the acquisition of forward Klim Kostin<\/a> from Avangard Omsk.<\/p>\n

Kostin, 26, played 33 games for the Red Wings in 2023-24. He accounted for three goals and one assist.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a struggle for Kostin in the KHL this season. He\u2019s only collected two assists in 21 games.<\/p>\n

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