Red Wings Prospect Watch: Trey Augustine Posts Big Wins

The 2023-24 seas0n is nearly two months along, and beginning this week we’ll be keeping tabs on Red Wings prospects in the minors, or juniors, or in college in what we’re calling the Prospect Watch.

It’s not a ranking or assessment of talent, (For now, we’ll leave that to the guys Chris Ilitch is paying to do that) but it will be a snapshot of how prospects fared in the previous week. So the fact that players move up and down on this list is purely our perception, not where we think they rank in the organization.

Sandin Pellikka Off to Fast Start

Axel Sandin Pellikka is off to a blazing start in Sweden, recording his seventh goal in 18 games this season. That’s good for a forward. It’s amazing f0r a defenseman. Sandin Pellikka. the 17th overall pick last summer,  is off to the best start for a teenage defenseman in Sweden in 40 years. Ulf Samuelsson, who was very briefly a Red Wing at the end of his NHL career, had nine goals in 33 games in 1982-83.

Axel Sandin Pellikka (#LGRW) had the first three-point game of his SHL career on Nov 16th.

It was also a transition masterclass, showcasing why he's quickly becoming one of the best defensive prospects in the sport.

Highlights: pic.twitter.com/jdOI84wFsn

— Lassi Alanen (@lassialanen) November 18, 2023

Trey Augustine had a big weekend for the red-hot Michigan State hockey team. He was in net for both games as the Spartans (10-3-1) swept top-ranked Wisconsin. Augustine has a GAA of 2.99, a save percentage of . 913 and is 9-3-1 with a shutout while playing in 13 of MSU’s 14 games this season.

Simon Edvinsson has had a solid start even as the Grand Rapids Griffins stumble. The Griffins were swept by the Texas Stars last weekend. Edvinsson had a pair of assists in a 7-4 loss on Saturday. He has three goals in 13 games this season, well ahead of last year’s pace.

Mazur Hot After Return From Injury

Carter Mazur, who missed training camp with an injury suffered in Traverse City two months ago, has five points in seven games so far this season. He has two goals and three assists. That’s the same as Cross Hanas and Amadeus Lombardi, who have played in 13 and 12 games, respectively.

Red Savage is off to a good start at Michigan State after transferring from Miami (Ohio). He has four goals and 14 points in as many games for the Spartans.

Nate Danielson makes scoring goals look soooooo easy!@bdnwheatkings | @DetroitRedWings pic.twitter.com/M9Rc4vq6DA

— The WHL (@TheWHL) November 18, 2023

Nate Danielson and Emmitt Finnie represented the Western Hockey League at each end of last summer’s draft. Danielson, the No. 9 overall selection, was impressive in training camp before beginning the season with Brandon. He has five goals and 13 points. Finnie, taken in the seventh round at No. 201, has four goals and 13 points for Kamloops.

Red Wings 2023 draftee Jack Phelan (137th overall) was among the 22 players named to the 2023 U.S. Junior Select Team that will compete at the 2023 World Junior A Challenge from December 10-17 in Truro, Nova Scotia. The 19-year-old defenseman is showing 1-4-5 totals with the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede.