Mittelstadt, the No. 8 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, signed with the Sabres on Monday, after completing his freshman season at the University of Minnesota, where the 19-year-old had 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in 34 games.
Goaltender Robin Lehner will start for the Sabres, 1-4-0 in their past five games and 3-6-1 in their past 10.
Goaltender Jimmy Howard will start for the Red Wings, who are 2-12-1 in their past 15 games and have allowed at least four goals in 11 of their past 14 games.
The Red Wings and Sabres each have been eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention.