DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 19: Thomas Greiss #29 of the Detroit Red Wings blocks a shot on goal against the Dallas Stars in the second period at American Airlines Center on April 19, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
The 2021 Expansion Draft will take place July 21. The Seattle Kraken will select one player from the current Detroit Red Wings roster. Detroit will most likely protect seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender.
Here is a look at the goalies.
Detroit Players who are Exempt
Detroit will have two and possibly three goalies currently exempt from having to be protected in the expansion draft. Filip Larsson and Victor Brattstrom have not played for the Red Wings and do not have to be protected. The Red Wings will have to sign college grad Keith Petruzzelli this summer. If as expected, Petruzzelli is signed, he will also meet this criteria.
More from Octopus Thrower
Probable Protected Goalie
This is the easiest decision General Manager Steve Yzerman will have when compiling his protected list. Thomas Greiss will be protected. If the Red Wings re-sign Jonathan Bernier, it will
be after the Expansion Draft July 21. This way, the Red Wings can protect both goalies without having to worry about losing one of them to Seattle.
Likely Goalie to be Left Unprotected
The only other goalie that meets the criteria for this draft is Kaden Fulcher. According to eliteprospects.com, Fulcher played seven games for Grand Rapids (AHL) this season. Fulcher is not a long term fit at the NHL level and therefore, it is highly unlikely that he would be selected by Seattle.
Final Thoughts
The pipeline of prospects at the goalie position is the weakest part of the organization. At some point, Yzerman will need to draft goalie prospects to fill this void.