Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry makes a glove save during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Friday Dec. 1, 2017, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Alex Nedeljkovic has agreed to a new contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, securing a two-year deal worth $5 million. Under this contract, Nedeljkovic will earn $2.5 million annually as the Penguins’ backup goalie.
During his debut season with Pittsburgh, Alex Nedeljkovic showcased impressive form, finishing with an 18-7-7 record across 38 games, starting 33 of them. He posted a .902 save percentage and a 2.97 goals against average, marking his best stats since his standout 2020-2021 rookie season, where he led the league in both categories and earned All-Rookie Team honors, finishing third in Calder voting.
Nedeljkovic originally joined the Penguins on a one-year, $1.5 million contract last July, but his strong performance has now earned him a raise and stability with a multi-year deal in Pittsburgh.
In the latter part of the season, Nedeljkovic played a pivotal role in the Penguins’ late surge, starting in ten consecutive games during a crucial win streak beginning on March 24. He compiled an 8-1-3 record in his final 12 starts, contributing significantly as the Penguins earned 19 points in that span, though falling short of a playoff berth was not attributed to his efforts.
There was uncertainty surrounding Nedeljkovic’s future with the Penguins, considering the team’s financial constraints and potential interest from other clubs in the offseason market. However, his loyalty to the Penguins and affection for his teammates ultimately influenced his decision to re-sign.
With this new contract, Nedeljkovic expressed his happiness in remaining with the Penguins, fulfilling his desire to continue with the team for at least the next two seasons, barring any trades.
The Penguins now boast a formidable goalie tandem, investing $7.5 million annually in Nedeljkovic and Tristan Jarry. Despite concerns over the team’s depth in other areas, the Penguins still have $10.7 million available to bolster their roster, potentially through trades to create additional cap space.
This extension ensures stability and depth in goaltending for the Penguins, allowing them flexibility and confidence heading into the upcoming seasons.
