PITTSBURGH – Alex Nedeljkovic stole the starting role as the top goalie for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they fought tooth and nail for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. While the team ultimately fell short of their goal, Nedeljkovic set himself up nicely heading into the end of his one-year deal with the Penguins.
During his run, during which he was given 13 straight starts to end the season, Nedeljkovic picked up an 8-1-3 record. They weren’t the greatest games ever recorded, as the record paired with a .898 save percentage, but he helped the team win.
Down the stretch, finding wins was all that mattered to the Penguins. While Nedeljkovic did all he could for the Penguins, he may have helped his chances of securing a starting role again in the NHL.
Daily Faceoff ranked Nedeljkovic as the 31st-best upcoming free agent and the best goalie available. Nedeljkovic is likely looking to be a starter again in the NHL, and his 2023-24 season in Pittsburgh helped him get back to his old self.
Coming off of an All-Rookie campaign with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2020-21, Nedeljkovic struggled in his two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings organization. In 74 games with the Red Wings, Nedeljkovic picked up a 25-31-11 record and bounced between the NHL and AHL.
One year in Pittsburgh, he found footing with an 18-7-7 record and an improved goals-against average. Dropping from 3.35 to 2.97, Nedeljkovic remembered how to keep the puck out of his net.
The Penguins are in a strange position regarding goaltending, and Nedeljkovic might be the odd man out. He wants to be a starter in the league, but the Penguins may not have room for him, and he’ll get to explore free agency again. Come July 1, Nedeljkovic might be the hottest goalie up for grabs.
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