Detroit Red Wings: 5 players to keep an eye on in the 2021-22 season

#1: Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic

This offseason, the Detroit Red Wings pulled off one of the biggest trade swindlings in recent history. They were able to net a Calder Trophy finalist goaltender for a third-round pick and Jonathan Bernier, who would elect free agency and sign with the New Jersey Devils.

Essentially, the Red Wings were able to acquire goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic who is on Calder Trophy watch in 2021-22 for a third-round pick. It was an absolute steal for the Red Wings front office. They also immediately went and re-signed him to a two-year contract extension.

While he was not the outright starter for the Hurricanes, he was in net for 23 games. He was 15-5-3, where he posted a .932 save percentage and a 1.90 goals-against-average. Not too shabby in a shortened season where he ultimately was able to pull together some incredible stats.

Now, in Detroit, he will be looking to win the outright starter job, which should not be super hard to do. Another year of a 1A and 1B scenario does not seem too likely. Fans should definitely keep their eye on Nedeljkovic in net this season to see how he performs in his new home.

When the season comes to an end, Nedeljkovic could very well find himself in the conversation for a Calder Trophy, and any player who has that type of upside is a player that fans should watch.

Especially since he is new to the organization and is going to have to adjust, it will be interesting to see how the change of scenery affects him.