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My first “looking forward” talked about Moritz Seider. This young defenseman has made waves, quickly, at every level he’s played at. I’m unabashedly excited to see how he fills out a red jersey.
Of all the things that have helped grow this blog, one of the more surprising was when I talked about Petruzzelli not wanting to sign with Detroit. Out of the blue, one of the Red Wing focused podcasts took a swing on Twitter. I was labeled as “unhelpful” and that I didn’t have a source. One of you readers hit them back when it all came to pass, and they doubled down that I still didn’t have a source. Never mind that the whole thing fell into place the way I’d written it would. (P.S. - I had a source).
Going back to K.P., it was disappointing once it was clear he wasn’t going to sign. It seemed strange, as the opportunity to grab a job in Detroit is as wide open as I’ve seen in my lifetime. Petruzzelli was the one goalie in the pipeline that was showing some real promise. And then, within the scope of one week, Yzerman grabbed a goalie that was right for the “core age”, and drafted another in the first round.
Alex Nedeljkovic quickly washed away the disappointment of losing the other goalie. 25 years old, and posted some strong numbers last year in Carolina. 23 NHL games, 1.9 GAA and a .932 SV% in the regular season. 9 post season games saw 2.17GAA and a .920 SV%. Not only did Yzerman bring this goalie in, the acquisition price was negligible. A soon to be UFA and a third round pick. Signed to a two year 3m AAV, and ready to roll.
Of course, Nedeljkovic had a very strong defensive core in front of him in Carolina. Things may be a bit stressful at times while the team comes together here, but the talent is there. Greiss is a fantastic mentor in this situation as well. He played his heart out and often didn’t get the result he deserved. His attitude has been fantastic, and I’m excited for the tandem.
This year feels special, and a big part is the new net minder. A young player that could find himself with the team long term while the newly drafted Sebastian Cossa develops. The hope, obviously, is to see those two sharing the crease in the not too distant future.
Leave it to Yzerman to turn a weakness into a strength within a matter of days. The acquisition of Nedeljkovic also helped me find peace in terms of drafting/developing. The GM knows how to turn weaknesses into strengths through drafting, trades and free agency. If a player isn’t working out, I have confidence that “The Captain” can address the situation and improve it.
So, are you excited about this trade/sign? How do you see the season unfolding with the newest netminder? Let me know in the comments.
Check out some of my previous posts:
Jakub Vrana and Adam Erne have filed for arbitration.
I posted “The Winged Wheel season 3, ep 1”
I posted Yzerman’s Zoom call
I posted Pius Suter’s Zoom call
I did a wrap up of the “Frenzy”.
Pius Suter highlighted the opening day of free agency.
Yesterday was a free agency “primer”
Svechnikov was not qualified by Wings, and Lindstrom signed for 2 years.
Marc Staal returns for 1 year, 2M
I posted my final thoughts about the 2021 draft
Day 2 of the 2021 draft can be found here
You can take a look at Detroit’s first round results here.
Yzerman extended Rasmussen and acquired Alex Nedeljkovic yesterday.
Seattle has selected Dennis Cholowski.
While we wait on RFA contract status for Detroit
RedWings TV did a quick hit on centers MacTavish and Lusius as possible draft targets
Detroit acquired Leddy for Panik, 52nd pick
The market for Zack Hyman is blowing up.
Yzerman has kept contracts short and sweet. 
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