Former top goaltending prospect lands on waivers
Every now and again, a name winds up on waivers who may not belong there. On Sunday, former second round pick and supposed-number-one goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic was placed on waivers by the Detroit Red Wings.
He had fantastic junior numbers, was even better in the AHL, and looked really good for the Carolina Hurricanes before they traded him in the summer of 2021. At the time the trade came as a shock because Nedeljkovic was seen as a potential future starting netminder.
As a restricted free agent, he was unable to get a deal ironed out with the Hurricanes so they traded him for Jonathan Bernier and a third round pick. Nedeljkovic signed a 2-year deal, worthy $6 million soon after.
Nedeljkovic was coming off a 2020-21 campaign where he went 15-5-3 with a .932 SV% and a 1.90 GAA, while also recording 3 shutouts. Used sparingly before then, in parts of 4 seasons with Carolina he was 17-7-4 with a .928 SV% and a 2.01 G.A.A.
His first year with the Red Wings was a roller coaster but the team itself wasn't supposed to be that good. He finished 20-24-9 with a .901 SV% and a 3.31 GAA. Things only got worse when the Red Wings traded for and then signed goaltender Ville Husso this past summer as he immediately took the reins as the number one goaltender.
