Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings concluded their participation in the 2025 NHL Prospect Games with a narrow 6-5 loss to the Dallas Stars at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. Despite the defeat, team officials and players expressed satisfaction with the development opportunities provided by the event.

Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Dan Watson highlighted the importance of these games for player growth and team chemistry. “I think it’s a great opportunity for the young guys to gel,” Watson said. “They’re draft picks, again I mentioned that we hope to see them play together whether it’s in Grand Rapids or Detroit. It’s an opportunity to know each other, learn about each other. The guys I obviously had in Grand Rapids, it was an opportunity for us to see what kind of summer they had."

Watson noted his team's effort throughout the game: “I thought our guys competed really hard all the way through. They probably got a little bit tired, especially our top six forwards there. Shuffled some lines around later in the game to try to generate a little more offense, but overall pretty pleased with what I saw.”

The match began with Dallas scoring twice early in the first period before Detroit responded with power-play goals from Shai Buium and Carson Bantle to tie the score by period's end. Buium’s performance drew praise from Watson: “Shai has grown in his defensive game. His skating has improved from the beginning of last year up until right now. Again, for him, it’s being consistent.”

Detroit took its first lead during the second period after Liam Kilfoil scored on a backhand shot and Nate Danielson added another power-play goal.

Dallas narrowed Detroit's lead early in the third period before Ondrej Becher restored a two-goal advantage for Detroit. However, Dallas quickly responded with two goals within three minutes to even the score at 5-5.

“Tough first game, but a better second game today,” Watson said about Becher. “Playing up the lineup with some better players certainly helps his game, but he put on some muscle over the offseason, which is certainly going to help… Areas where maybe he lacked last year, I think the strength and muscle gained this year will help in those areas.”

Ayrton Martino scored late in regulation for Dallas to secure their win as Detroit was unable to find an equalizer after pulling goaltender Michal Pradel.

Nate Danielson reflected on both individual and team experiences: “We definitely played a lot better as a team last night,” Danielson said. “The games were, at times, kind of running around a little bit and getting a little sloppy. When you’re playing with a ton of new guys and everyone is trying to prove something or show something – myself included. I think I had a couple plays I’d like to take back, but I think that’s kind of just how these games go.”

Looking ahead, coverage of Detroit's annual Training Camp will be available on their official website.

Watson also commented on Danielson’s contributions: “I thought he did a really good job competing both games. He was one of the best players on the ice both nights. I think he did fatigue a little bit down the stretch for us in the third [period], but we played him a ton. He was on the power play, penalty kill, 5-on-5 minutes with 11 forwards. He ate up a ton of ice time, but did everything we asked him to do.”

For those prospects without NHL contracts who performed well during these games, Watson offered encouragement: “It’s an opportunity to make an impression – make a good first impression…It’s a great opportunity to be seen not just by us, but by Dallas’ organization who is here as well. Any other scouts in the building. They can sign anywhere they want, so make sure that you put your best foot forward. I think all of our guys did a good job doing that.”

Danielson also discussed his offseason preparation: “Summer was good. Just spent a lot of time in the gym and on the ice. For me, the focus was to try to get bigger, stronger and put some weight on. I did that, and the games weren’t bad. I thought I got better as they went.”