Detroit Red Wings: Analyzing Every Goalie in the Organization

The Detroit Red Wings management team have continuously tried to stockpile goalies through the draft in the hopes that one of them will end up developing into an NHL regular.  The past seven drafts produced eight goalies and during the most recent season, not one of these selections played a game in the NHL.  Seven of these selections are still in the system, however only two have signed contracts with Detroit.

Developing goalies for an NHL roster has never been a strength for Detroit.  Jimmy Howard was the most recent goalie to be developed by Detroit through the draft.  It seems like the Red Wings prefer to sign free agent goalies that have been developed by other organizations.

Here is a look at Detroit’s current goalie situation.

Thomas Greiss

Age: 35

GP: 34

Record: 8-15-8

GAA: 2.70

SV%: .912

Thomas Greiss got off to a horrible start in his first year with Detroit.  The second half of the season was significantly better, as Greiss won player of the week once and had back-to-back shutouts.  Greiss is the only veteran goalie signed for next year.  He has one year remaining on his two year deal before he once again becomes an UFA.  At 35, Greiss is only a short-term option with Detroit.

Jonathan Bernier

Age: 32

GP: 24

Record: 9-11-1

GAA: 2.99

SV%: .914

Jonathan Bernier was once again steady in the Detroit net.  He is an UFA and will most likely be re-signed by Detroit after the Seattle Expansion Draft.  Moving forward, Bernier could be the goalie who mentors a young prospect once a young goalie moves into a backup position.

Calvin Pickard

Age: 29

GP: 6

Record: 1-1-1

GAA: 3.33

SV%: .882

At this stage in his career, Calvin Pickard is insurance as a third string goalie at the NHL level.  He started the season playing for Vienna (ICEHL) and then split time between Grand Rapids (AHL) and Detroit.  He may end up being a mentor in Grand Rapids again next year.

Keith Petruzzelli

2021 Team: Quinnipiac (NCAA)

Age: 22

GP: 29

Record: 17-8-4

GAA: 1.89

SV%: .926

Keith Petruzzelli looks like he has the potential to play in the NHL one day.  He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, an award given to the top NCAA men’s hockey player in the nation.  A 2017 3rd round draft choice, Petruzzelli must sign by August 15 or he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team.  Petruzzelli may also return for one final year of hockey at the NCAA level before deciding his future.

Jesper Eliasson

2021 Team: EC Salzburg (ICEHL)

Age: 21

GP: 13

Record: 5-7-0

GAA: 2.65

SV%: .916

Jesper Eliasson is a former 3rd round draft pick from 2018.  He remains un-signed and will play for Farjestad (SHL) next season.  He needs to have a big season in order to earn an entry-level contract with Detroit for 2022-23.

Jan Bednar

2021 Team: Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

Age: 18

GP: 12

Record: 6-5-0

GAA: 3.62

SV%: .894

Detroit’s most recent goalie selected in the draft.  Jan Bednar was selected in the 4th round in 2020.  He started the season playing in the Czech league and then finished the season in the QMJHL in Canada.  If Bednar has a good year in the QMJHL next year, he will most likely be signed to an entry-level contract with Detroit.

Joren van Pottelberghe

2021 Team: EHC Biel-Bienne (NL)

Age: 24

GP: 40

Record: 22-11-4

GAA: 2.49

SV%: .914

Joren van Pottelberghe is the most experienced goalie not currently in the Detroit system.  Originally drafted in the 4th round in 2015, van Pottelberghe’s rights remain indefinitely, according to the current NHL player’s agreement with Switzerland trained players.  He has indicated that he would like to try playing in the NHL one day, but General Manager Steve Yzerman has yet to offer him a contract.  His rights in the NL will remain with Biel-Bienne for at least next season.

Carter Gylander

2021 Team: Colgate (NCAA)

Age: 20

GP: 19

Record: 6-9-4

GAA: 2.69

SV%: .901

General Manager Steve Yzerman took a risk when he drafted Carter Gylander.  He used the 7th round pick in 2019 to select Gylander out of Sherwood Park (AJHL).  Gylander just finished his first season in the NCAA and will continue for at least two more years before a decision can be made regarding an entry-level contract.

Final Thoughts

The Detroit Red Wings have numerous goalies scattered throughout the world.  Despite the large number of goalies whose rights remain Detroit property, the goalie position remains a glaring weakness in the organization.  Don’t be surprised if the Red Wings select a goalie in the first round of the Entry Draft in July.  The top two goalies are Jesper Wallstedt (SHL) and Sebastian Cossa (WHL).  Remember these names, one may be a Detroit draft choice in the near future.