The expectations were that Detroit Red Wings draftee Dmitri Buchelnikov would be on the move this summer.
There were rumors coming out of Russia that Buchelnikov would to be sent on loan by SKA St. Petersburg to the KHL club Vityaz. Tuesday, Buchelnikov was in fact moving to Vityaz, but the exchange would prove to be a trade instead of a loan.
The Red Wings selected Buchelnikov 52nd overall in the 2022 NHL draft. He spent last season with the SKA. In 55 games, Buchelnikov scored 13 goals and added 16 assists for a total of 29 points.
While the Red Wings retain the NHL rights to Buchelnikov, he agreed to terms with Vityaz on a two-year contract. That will keep him with the KHL until the 2025-26 season.
Moscow SKA, one of the best clubs in the KHL, cutting ties with Buchelnikov has raised some concerns about his NHL potential.
