The Athletic ranked the NHL’s 32 starting goaltenders this season, and Alex Nedeljkovic comes in at #20 on their list:
20. Alex Nedeljkovic, Red Wings: Unranked prior to this season
Despite being a Calder Trophy finalist, despite being a star at virtually every level he’s played at, the Hurricanes chose to move on rather than pay the restricted free agent.
Nedeljkovic was dealt to the Red Wings and should quickly learn he’s not behind the Hurricanes’ defense anymore.
Just call Jimmy Howard.
“I really like Nedeljkovic. I like the way he plays,” a former goalie said. “He seems to read the play really well, he’s always a step ahead. In Detroit, it’s going to be a lot tougher than Carolina. He’s a solid starter, though.”
“He’s the best puck-handling goaltender in the game, and he gets less shots because of it,” an Eastern Conference executive said. “He ran big numbers last year and he wins everywhere he goes. He’s just not a huge man.”
Most panelists thought GM Steve Yzerman made a great bet acquiring Nedeljkovic.
“I like him, I liked him in the AHL and obviously he couldn’t have been asked to do more last season. He needs to prove it over a longer time span to get a higher grade, but I think it’s possible he becomes a good starter,” one scout said.
Continued (paywall)
