Detroit Red Wings Lose Three Players And Two Coaches

The Detroit Red Wings will be without Alex Nedeljkovic, Carter Rowney and Givani Smith, as the three have been placed in COVID-19 protocol. With that, head coach Jeff Blashill and assistant coach Alex Tanguay have joined them.

Out of the three players, Nedeljkovic is the most notable. The 25-year-old goaltender is off to a solid start with his new team, as he has a 9-7-3 record, 2.78 GAA and .916 SV%. With him being out, the Red Wings will have to run with Thomas Greiss. In 13 appearances this season, he's 5-6-0 with an .889 SV%, so he will be looking to rebound from here.

Rowney has been a big part of Detroit's bottom six, so his absence certainly isn't a good thing. In 19 games thus far, he has two goals and assist. As for Smith, he's become a mainstay in Detroit's lineup this season. In 24 games thus far, he has two goals and four points. With that, he's been a real force when it comes to his physicality, so it will be hard for Detroit to find a replacement for him.

The Red Wings are certainly hoping that the illness doesn't spread too much around the locker room. At this time, they have a 14-13-3 record and are fourth in the Atlantic Division. It's been a very solid start for the rebuilding squad, but the loss of Nedeljkovic specifically could put it in jeopardy.