DETROIT –** The Detroit Red Wings have activated defenseman Shai Buium from the injured non-roster list and assigned him to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Buium, 21, made his professional debut with the Griffins on April 19 against the Iowa Wild. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 213 pounds, Buium signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Red Wings on April 17 after playing three seasons at the University of Denver. During his collegiate career, he helped the Pioneers win two NCAA Division I national championships. In his junior year, Buium was named to the NCHC Second All-Star Team after posting 36 points (7 goals, 29 assists) and a plus-33 rating in 43 games. As a sophomore, he recorded 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) and a plus-8 rating in 38 games.
Buium was selected by the Red Wings in the second round (36th overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. In his freshman season, he was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team, tallying 18 points (3 goals, 15 assists) and a plus-20 rating over 39 games. He shared in winning a national title alongside fellow Red Wings prospects Carter Mazur and Antti Tuomisto. Over his three-year collegiate career, Buium accumulated 75 points (14 goals, 61 assists) and a plus-61 rating in 120 games.
Before his time at Denver, Buium played two seasons with the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL from 2019-21, earning Second All-Rookie Team honors in 2020-21. He also competed at Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep, where he recorded 88 points in 100 games with the under-16 squad.
The Detroit Red Wings have a strong pool of prospects coming up through their system, with many players expected to contribute in the near future. Here are some of the top Red Wings prospects to watch:
### 1. **Marco Kasper (C)**
– **Drafted:** 8th overall, 2022 NHL Draft
– **Position:** Center
– **Current Team:** Rögle BK (Sweden) / Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Marco Kasper is one of Detroit’s most exciting prospects and is projected to be a future top-line center. Kasper is known for his two-way game, high hockey IQ, and relentless work ethic. His time in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) has helped him develop against high-level competition. With his strong skating and ability to create plays, Kasper is expected to make an impact at the NHL level soon.
### 2. **Simon Edvinsson (D)**
– **Drafted:** 6th overall, 2021 NHL Draft
– **Position:** Defenseman
– **Current Team:** Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Simon Edvinsson is a towering defenseman (6’6″) with elite skating ability and tremendous upside. He is often compared to fellow Swede Victor Hedman for his blend of size, puck-moving skills, and defensive responsibility. Edvinsson has shown strong development in the SHL and AHL, and he could become a cornerstone of Detroit’s blue line in the near future, potentially pairing with Moritz Seider.
### 3. **Carter Mazur (LW)**
– **Drafted:** 70th overall, 2021 NHL Draft
– **Position:** Left Wing
– **Current Team:** Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Carter Mazur is a highly skilled winger known for his goal-scoring ability and offensive instincts. A product of the University of Denver, Mazur has shown a knack for finding the back of the net and playing a tenacious, high-energy game. His impressive NCAA career and strong showing in the AHL have positioned him as a potential top-six winger for the Red Wings in the coming seasons.
### 4. **Elmer Söderblom (LW)**
– **Drafted:** 159th overall, 2019 NHL Draft
– **Position:** Left Wing
– **Current Team:** Detroit Red Wings (NHL) / Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Elmer Söderblom is a massive winger at 6’8″ with soft hands and impressive puck-handling skills for a player his size. He has shown flashes of brilliance with his ability to create offense and protect the puck in the corners. Söderblom has spent time with both the Red Wings and Griffins, and with his rare combination of size and skill, he is poised to be a unique addition to Detroit’s forward group.
### 5. **Sebastian Cossa (G)**
– **Drafted:** 15th overall, 2021 NHL Draft
– **Position:** Goaltender
– **Current Team:** Toledo Walleye (ECHL) / Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Sebastian Cossa is the Red Wings’ top goaltending prospect, and he is viewed as the future franchise goalie. Standing at 6’6″, Cossa is a big, athletic netminder with quick reflexes and strong positioning. While still developing in the minors, Cossa has shown the potential to become a long-term solution in goal for Detroit.
### 6. **Amadeus Lombardi (C)**
– **Drafted:** 113th overall, 2022 NHL Draft
– **Position:** Center
– **Current Team:** Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Amadeus Lombardi has rapidly climbed Detroit’s prospect rankings due to his strong offensive play and impressive skating ability. Lombardi has a dynamic offensive skillset and plays with a high motor, making him a potential middle-six center who can provide offensive depth in the future.
### 7. **Shai Buium (D)**
– **Drafted:** 36th overall, 2021 NHL Draft
– **Position:** Defenseman
– **Current Team:** Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Shai Buium is a steady two-way defenseman with a strong hockey IQ and the ability to contribute at both ends of the ice. After a successful college career at the University of Denver, Buium is developing in the AHL, and his size (6’3″) and puck-moving skills make him a promising defenseman who could eventually play a top-four role in Detroit.
### 8. **William Wallinder (D)**
– **Drafted:** 32nd overall, 2020 NHL Draft
– **Position:** Defenseman
– **Current Team:** Rögle BK (Sweden)
William Wallinder is another high-end defense prospect with size (6’4″) and mobility. He plays a strong two-way game and has been developing well in the SHL, logging significant minutes for Rögle BK. Wallinder’s blend of size, skating, and hockey sense gives him the potential to be a reliable top-four defenseman in the NHL.
### 9. **Cross Hanas (RW)**
– **Drafted:** 55th overall, 2020 NHL Draft
– **Position:** Right Wing
– **Current Team:** Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Cross Hanas is a skilled winger with excellent hands and creativity on offense. He has made strides in the AHL, showing he can contribute offensively at the pro level. If he continues to develop, Hanas could become a solid middle-six winger for the Red Wings.
### 10. **Antti Tuomisto (D)**
– **Drafted:** 35th overall, 2019 NHL Draft
– **Position:** Defenseman
– **Current Team:** Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Antti Tuomisto is another promising defense prospect who brings offensive upside to the blue line. Known for his strong shot and passing ability, Tuomisto has been developing his overall game in the AHL and could eventually find a role on Detroit’s power play unit while contributing at both ends of the ice.
### Conclusion:
The Red Wings’ prospect pool is deep, with talent at every position. With players like Marco Kasper and Simon Edvinsson leading the way, along with a strong supporting cast of prospects like Carter Mazur, Elmer Söderblom, and Sebastian Cossa, Detroit is well-positioned for future success. As these prospects continue to develop, they are expected to form the foundation of a competitive Red Wings team in the coming years.
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