The Detroit Red Wings have assigned goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins on a conditioning assignment as he looks to improve his performance during his sophomore campaign with the team. Nedeljkovic has a 2-4-2 record in nine appearances this season, with a 4.02 GAA and .880 save percentage. His last game action was on December 8, and he has not earned a win since November 6. Under the terms of a conditioning assignment, Nedeljkovic can stay with the Griffins for five games or two weeks, whichever comes first. He will still count as one of the 23 players on Detroit’s active roster during this time.
Why it matters: The Red Wings are looking for Alex Nedeljkovic to improve his performance and regain his confidence during his time with the Griffins. In the meantime, the team will rely on goaltenders Ville Husso and Marcus Hogberg to carry the load.
The Big Picture: Red Wings Were First To Experiment With Three-Goalie System
The Detroit Red Wings were the first team in NHL history to carry three goalies on their roster for an entire season. In the 1968-69 season, the Red Wings had Roger Crozier, Roy Edwards, and Terry Sawchuk as their goaltenders. Crozier played 26 games, posting a record of 11-15-3 with a 3.33 GAA and .896 save percentage. Edwards played in 40 games, recording a record of 18-11-6 with a 2.55 GAA and .915 save percentage. Sawchuk played in 13 games with a record of 4-5-3, a 2.63 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. The decision to have three goalies on the roster was made to have Sawchuk mentor Crozier and Edwards.
Alex Nedeljkovic By the Numbers
- Alex Nedeljkovic has a 2-4-2 record in nine appearances this season, with a 4.02 GAA and .880 save percentage.
- Husso is 12-6-5 with a 2.86 GAA and a .908 save percentage for the Red Wings.
- Hogberg has played for the Red Wings in four games, with a 2-2 record, 2.74 GAA and .897 save percentage.
