Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman continues to wheel and deal, and he’s once again committed grand larceny at another NHL club’s expense.
Shortly after it was announced that goaltender Jonathan Bernier intended to test the free-agent market, Yzerman traded his negotiating rights and a 3rd round draft selection to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic:
Hearing Detroit is acquiring goalie Alex Nedeljkovic from Carolina@TSNHockey @TheAthletic
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 22, 2021
He was then immediately signed to a two-year contract carrying a $3 million cap hit:
Alex Nedeljkovic has agreed to terms on a 2 year contract with Detroit. $3.0M AAV.
— Rich Evans (@Hockeyagent) July 22, 2021
Nedeljkovic was selected by the Hurricanes in the second round (37th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He already has a local Michigan connection, having started his major junior play in 2012 in the Ontario Hockey League with the Plymouth Whalers.
Thanks to his strong efforts during the 2020-21 NHL season, Nedeljkovic was nominated for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. He also had a hand in Carolina’s playoff success this season, winning four playoff games.
While playing with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, Nedeljkovic became the 13th goaltender in AHL history to score a goal. He would also help lead the Checkers to the Calder Cup in 2019.
