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.