The Detroit Red Wings, like any NHL team, have had their share of highly touted prospects who, for various reasons, never quite lived up to expectations. Identifying "busts" is a tricky exercise, as development isn't always linear, and circumstances can play a significant role. However, looking back, several names stand out.

1. Filip Zadina: Drafted 6th overall in 2018, Zadina came with a reputation as a pure goal scorer. While he showed flashes of offensive ability, he never consistently produced at the NHL level and was eventually bought out by the Red Wings. Zadina played some NHL games but mostly stayed in the AHL. He most recently played with San Jose.

2. Joe Veleno: Veleno was drafted with the 30th overall pick in 2018. While he has become an NHL player, he hasn't lived up to the expectations of a first-round pick and has mainly played a bit deeper in the lineup.

3. Brendan Perlini: Perlini was acquired by the Red Wings but has not turned into a consistently impactful NHL player.

4. Jakub Vrana: Vrana was acquired by the Red Wings but has not turned into a consistently impactful NHL player.

5. Axel Holmstrom: Drafted in 2014, Holmstrom played three seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins, even winning a Calder Cup. However, he never made it to the NHL. He is currently playing in the Czech Extraliga for Litvinov. Holmstrom cherishes all the doors that hockey has opened for him. With each new landing spot, Holmstrom views it as an opportunity to grow as a player and as a person.

6. Zach Nastasiuk: A 2013 second-rounder, Nastasiuk was projected to be a solid third-liner but never made it out of the minor leagues.

7. Dylan Sadowy: Acquired in 2014, Sadowy was also expected to be a dependable player, but his career stalled in the AHL.

It's important to remember that a prospect "busting" doesn't necessarily mean they are a bad player. Some players find success in other leagues, while others contribute to the AHL level. Development is complex, and many factors influence a player's trajectory. The Red Wings' current prospect pool is considered strong, but only time will tell which players will become NHL stars and which will fall short of expectations.