Red Wings Announce 2026 NHL Prospect Tournament Roster Led by Nate Danielson and Carter Bear
The Detroit Red Wings will give fans an early look at the organization’s next generation when the 2026 NHL Prospect Tournament begins Saturday, September 12, at the BELFOR Training Center inside Little Caesars Arena.
Detroit announced a 24-player roster featuring recent draft selections, free-agent signings and invited players. Former first-round picks Nate Danielson and Carter Bear headline the group.
Danielson, selected ninth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, enters the tournament with NHL experience already under his belt. The 21-year-old center recorded two goals and five assists across 28 appearances for Detroit during the 2025-26 season. He also produced 15 points in 18 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Bear was selected by Detroit with the 13th overall pick in 2025. The left wing recorded 36 goals and 77 points in 53 games for the Everett Silvertips last season before adding another 22 points during their run to the WHL championship.
Goaltender Trey Augustine will also be among the most closely watched players in the tournament. The Michigan State standout posted a 24-9-1 record with a 2.11 goals-against average, a .929 save percentage and three shutouts during his junior season. He later made two appearances with Grand Rapids.
Other notable prospects on Detroit’s roster include Dylan James, Anton Johansson, Théo Rochette, Jesse Kiiskinen and recently acquired Okemos native Sutter Muzzatti.
Thirteen of the 24 players participating for Detroit were originally selected by the Red Wings in the NHL Draft.
Red Wings Prospect Tournament Schedule
Detroit will play three games during the four-team tournament:
Saturday, September 12: Detroit vs. Dallas — 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 13: Detroit vs. Pittsburgh — 7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15: Detroit vs. Columbus — 2 p.m.
All three games will be held at the BELFOR Training Center. Fans throughout Michigan and Lucas County, Ohio, can stream Detroit’s games free on DetroitRedWings.com.
The tournament will provide several of the organization’s top young players with an opportunity to make an impression before Red Wings training camp and the 2026-27 preseason.
For Detroit, the event represents more than an early taste of hockey. It offers fans—and the organization—a closer look at which prospects could soon be ready to contribute in Hockeytown.