Red Wings Valued Among NHL’s Top 10 as Top Prospect Faces Lengthy Injury Absence
The Detroit Red Wings are making headlines for more than just their on-ice performance this season. According to the latest NHL team valuations, Detroit now ranks as the 10th-most valuable franchise in the league, with an overall worth of $2.47 billion. That’s a significant leap forward, powered by a 20 percent increase in revenue year-over-year.
This rise comes in the context of a league-wide financial surge. The NHL is enjoying a 15 percent boost in revenue compared to 2024, thanks in large part to an influx of media rights money.
The average NHL franchise is now valued at $2.2 billion. That’s not just growth - that’s a statement.
The biggest driver? A new 12-year Canadian media rights deal, set to begin in the 2026-27 season, worth a staggering $7.79 billion (based on exchange rates as of late November).
That figure more than doubles the NHL’s current agreement with Rogers and signals just how much value broadcasters see in hockey's future. And south of the border, the NHL’s U.S. media rights deals - currently averaging $630 million annually through 2027-28 - are expected to see a similar jump when the next round of negotiations kicks off.
As for the top of the valuation list, the Toronto Maple Leafs reign supreme at $4.3 billion, with the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens rounding out the top three. All three, notably, are Original Six franchises - a nod to the enduring brand power and legacy of hockey’s historic clubs.
Detroit may not be in that top tier just yet, but their momentum is undeniable. With $251 million in revenue and only 4 percent debt on the books, the Red Wings are in a strong financial position as they continue to build toward long-term contention.
Buchelnikov Injury a Blow to Red Wings Prospect Pool
While the franchise’s financial outlook is trending up, the Red Wings were dealt a tough blow on the player development front. Dmitri Buchelnikov, one of the organization’s top 10 prospects, is expected to miss two to three months with an upper-body injury that will require surgery.
The 22-year-old forward had been turning heads with CSKA Moscow in the KHL this season, putting up 10 goals and 20 points through 30 games while posting a plus-2 rating. It was a continuation of the promise he showed last year with Balashikha Vityaz, where he tallied 15 goals and 54 points across 65 games.
Buchelnikov, a second-round pick by the Red Wings, has been viewed as a key piece of Detroit’s future forward group. His offensive instincts, creativity in transition, and ability to find soft spots in the defense have made him one of the more intriguing prospects in the system. This injury doesn’t change that - but it does hit pause on what had been a strong developmental stretch.
The timeline for his return - roughly 10 to 12 weeks - means he could be back on the ice before the end of the KHL season, which would be a welcome sign for Detroit’s front office. For now, though, the focus shifts to recovery and getting him back to full health.
Big Picture: Red Wings on the Rise, But Not Without Challenges
The Red Wings are in a good spot. Financially, they’re climbing the NHL ladder - and fast.
On the ice, the rebuild has taken root, and the pipeline continues to churn out talent. But as Buchelnikov’s injury reminds us, prospect development is rarely a straight line.
Still, between a surging valuation, a young core in the NHL, and a prospect pool that remains among the league’s better groups, there’s a lot to like about where this franchise is heading. The Wings aren’t back to the glory days just yet - but they’re building something that looks more and more sustainable with each passing season.