A Promising Prospect
Max Plante entered the 2024 NHL Entry Draft as the 47th overall selection, a spot that barely hinted at the impact he would soon make. Detroit Hockey Now currently ranks him eighth among prospects, a testament to a breakout sophomore season that saw him capture the Hobey Baker Trophy, the premier award in college hockey.
On the ice, Plante combines slick passing with an underrated shot that finds the net in crowded offensive zones. His high hockey IQ allows him to read plays quickly, while his competitive drive pushes him to excel in tight spaces. In 40 games last season he posted 20 goals and 52 points, placing him among the most productive college scorers.
Plante’s hockey roots run deep. His father, Derek Plante, netted 96 goals in college before logging 450 NHL appearances, and grew up watching endless games with the television permanently tuned to hockey. Growing up with two brothers — Victor, a Red Wings draft pick, and Zam, a Penguins selection — he absorbed a competitive environment that shaped his work ethic.
After the Red Wings attempted to sign him last spring, Plante chose to remain at Minnesota‑Duluth for his junior year, a decision that gives him additional time to develop against top collegiate competition and to gain experience in the AHL. He plans to turn professional after college, with an eye toward an NHL debut early in the 2027‑28 season once he has logged a full AHL campaign.
At 5‑10 and 181 pounds, Plante’s size presents a challenge when confronting the speed and physicality of the professional game, a hurdle his father also faced. Yet his skill set and hockey sense suggest he could carve out a niche, especially if the Red Wings bring him to Detroit early to evaluate his readiness.