MLive’s Ansar Khan took note of Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill’s remarks regarding the high likelihood that Thomas Greiss and Alex Nedeljkovic will split starts this upcoming season in the Red Wings’ crease:
“Certainly, what [Nedeljkovic] did last season in those 20 games was good,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “Can he keep that going for 50 games? 40 games? Consistency in this league is critical.”
Nedeljkovic was a Calder Trophy finalist after going 15-5-3, with a 1.90 goals-against average and .932 save percentage. The Red Wings acquired him for a third-round pick in this year’s draft (94th overall) and the rights to unrestricted free-agent goalie Jonathan Bernier, who performed well the past two seasons but wasn’t going to be re-signed.
The trade appears to be a steal. Nedeljkovic, 25, is seven years younger than Bernier and could soon be the franchise’s No. 1 goalie, at least until Sebastian Cossa, the 15th selection in this year’s draft, is NHL-ready in a few years.
Blashill said he plans to give Nedeljkovic and veteran Thomas Greiss, who finished strong last season, looks early in the season until one establishes himself as the clear-cut starter, if that happens.
“As the year plays out, the guy that plays the best will play,” Blashill said. “If they both play great, they’ll both play.”
