Former Red Wings Players Forge Paths in Europe
KHL, DEL, SHL see familiar faces from Detroit
Several former Detroit Red Wings players are set to continue their careers overseas, with many finding new opportunities in the KHL, DEL, SHL, and Czech leagues, showcasing hockey’s global reach.
Marchenko Extends KHL Contract
Defenseman Alexey Marchenko, who played 110 NHL games for the Detroit Red Wings between 2013 and 2017, has agreed to a two-year contract extension with AK Bars Kazan of the KHL. During his time with Detroit, Marchenko tallied three goals and 16 assists. He also spent time with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL.
Alexey Marchenko’s Goal #LGRW #Detvslak pic.twitter.com/v9AVxESUhM
— Red Wings SPORTalk (@SPORTalkWings) January 12, 2016
The contract is reportedly worth 85 million Russian rubles, which currently equates to $1 million USD. The average KHL player salary is around $425,000, highlighting the financial appeal of the league for certain players (Elite Prospects).
Svechnikov Stays in KHL
Evgeny Svechnikov, Detroit’s first-round pick from the 2015 NHL draft, will also remain in the KHL, having signed a deal with Amur Khabarovsk. Last season, Svechnikov played for Torpedo, under the guidance of former Red Wings star Igor Larionov.
Newpower Inks AHL Deal
Former Griffins defenseman Wyatt Newpower is set to return to the AHL, securing a contract with the Iowa Wild.
Welcome to Des Moines, Wyatt! 🤝#Itstartsm pic.twitter.com/a8i1MgJ5lA
— Iowa Wild (@IAWild) July 2, 2025
Newpower previously played for the Bridgeport Islanders last season. During his time with the Griffins from 2021 to 2024, he participated in 148 games, recording 6 goals and 18 assists.
More Player Moves
Other former Red Wings players are also on the move. Madison Bowey, a Red Wings defenseman from 2019-2020, is heading to Germany to join the Augsburger Panthers of the DEL after spending last season with the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL.
Additionally, forward Brendan Perlini, who played 39 games for the Red Wings in 2019-2020, will be playing in Switzerland for HC Lugano, joining teammate and former 2015 Red Wings draft pick, goalie Joren van Pottelberghe.
Axel Holmstrom, a 2014 Red Wings draft selection, will be playing in Czechia for HC Litvinov. While he never played for Detroit, Holmstrom played with the Griffins from 2016-2019. Forward Robert Mastrosimone, a 2019 Red Wings draftee, signed with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Finally, Joe Snively, who played for the Griffins last season, has signed with Djurgardens of Sweden’s SHL.