The next logical question is if he really is. It’s the main reason why so few goalies are taken early in the draft, but such history won’t deter Yzerman should he determine Wallstedt is worth it. It’s no secret that goalie development is the one that takes the longest–while also being a bit of an unknown in which prospects will emerge from the pipeline and which ones won’t.

If it fits the Yzerplan and is far along enough in the development process to justify a top ten pick. The goalie pipeline, though full of prospects, don’t have any considered elite and are starving for someone to rise through the system to take the job in Detroit for years to come. He has yet to sign an entry level deal with Detroit. Many eyes are on Keith Petruzzelli who had a standout season with Quinnipiac University in 2021.

Jesper Eliasson (2018 3rd round) played in the Austrian League posting respectable numbers. His returns on loan this season weren’t much better. 2016 sixth round pick Filip Larsson looked to be a rising star after a stellar season with Denver University–only to come crashing back to earth when he went to Grand Rapids in 2018-19. The depth of the goaltending pipeline is anyone’s guess. Gylander recently played for Colgate University while Bednar played a season and playoff with Acadie-Bathurst in the QMJHL. Yzerman has taken a goalie in each of the last two drafts: Jan Bednar (2020) and Carter Gylander (2019).

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