The Pittsburgh Penguins have secured goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic with a fresh contract, ensuring his services for the next two years at an average annual value (AAV) of $2.5 million. This marks Nedeljkovic’s fourth team in the past seven seasons, highlighting the dynamic journey of his career.
Nedeljkovic began his career with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he showed promise, notably during the 2020-21 playoffs when he emerged as the starting goalie, boasting impressive stats with a 2.17 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. His subsequent stint with the Detroit Red Wings saw fluctuations in his performance before finding stability upon joining the Pittsburgh Penguins.
During his 38 games with the Penguins, Nedeljkovic recorded an 18-7-7 record. He improved his save percentage to .902 and posted a goals against average of 2.97. Despite facing challenges, including the lowest goals saved above expected (-3.3), he contributed to a solid goaltending tandem with Tristan Jarry, bolstering the team’s defensive efforts.
The signing of Nedeljkovic underscores the Penguins’ strategy to strengthen their goaltending depth, crucial in today’s NHL where workload management for goalies is pivotal. While not necessarily a primary starter, Nedeljkovic offers stability and reliability whenever called upon, essential qualities for a competitive team.
This contract signifies stability for Nedeljkovic as well, allowing him to focus on his game without the uncertainty of future moves. Moving forward with Pittsburgh, he aims to maintain his performance level and contribute effectively, benefiting from a team that complements his skills and abilities in the net.
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