The Pittsburgh Penguins’ offseason kicked off with a significant announcement from General Manager Kyle Dubas: the re-signing of goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, who was previously a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA). On June 21, Nedeljkovic inked a two-year deal worth an average annual value (AAV) of $2.5 million. This move secures the goaltending position for the 2024-25 season and could have broader implications for the team’s offseason strategy.
Nedeljkovic’s Resurgence in 2023-24
After the Detroit Red Wings opted not to re-sign him, Nedeljkovic, 29, joined the Penguins on a one-year contract. He secured the backup role behind Tristan Jarry, outperforming fellow offseason addition Magnus Hellberg.
Following a challenging season with the Red Wings and their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, Nedeljkovic delivered a remarkable comeback. His performance was crucial for the Penguins, especially given Jarry’s inconsistent play. Nedeljkovic’s stellar goaltending kept the Penguins in playoff contention, and from March 24 to the end of the regular season, he was the starting goalie in 12 of the final 13 games. He posted an 8-1-3 record during this stretch, nearly leading the team to the playoffs. Overall, he finished the season with an 18-7-7 record and a 2.97 goals-against average (GAA), earning the trust of head coach Mike Sullivan.
Future Implications
Nedeljkovic’s strong performance made his re-signing an easy decision for Dubas, but it raises questions about the future dynamics of the Penguins’ goaltending. Tristan Jarry, who signed a five-year extension last offseason with a $5.375 million AAV, had a solid yet inconsistent season. If Jarry struggles next season, Sullivan might turn to Nedeljkovic again. There’s also a possibility that Dubas could explore trading Jarry if a suitable opportunity arises, though this remains speculative.
Another player affected by Nedeljkovic’s re-signing is top prospect Joel Blomqvist. In his first full season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Blomqvist excelled, earning AHL All-Star honors. Some speculated he might make the NHL roster depending on offseason moves. However, with Nedeljkovic secured for two more seasons, Blomqvist will likely continue to develop in the AHL, gaining valuable experience before potentially moving up to the NHL.
Awaiting Further Developments
While Nedeljkovic’s re-signing solidifies the backup goaltender position, it could signify more significant moves on the horizon. The offseason is still young for teams not involved in the Stanley Cup Finals, and it remains to be seen if this move will have broader ripple effects. For now, the Penguins have ensured stability in their goaltending, positioning themselves for potential strategic adjustments as the offseason progresses.
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