Red Wings acquire Alex Nedeljkovic (G) + NHL pre-draft activty
The Red Wings just traded for and subsequently signed the best young tendy in the league for 2 years at $3 AAV. Alex Nedeljkovic won the starting job from (former Red Wing) Mrazek in Carolina and went on to be a finalist for the Calder trophy as one of the best rookies at any position in the NHL.
His numbers are good, he's still young, and he passes the goalie eye test. Here's hoping Detroit has found the goalie of the future.
UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings today acquired goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for goaltender Jonathan Bernier and Vegas’ third-round pick (94th overall) in the upcoming 2021 NHL Entry Draft. pic.twitter.com/Zx8iTvDnE9
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 22, 2021
LGRW! Steve Y does it again, fleecing the Canes for a goalie 7 years younger and cheaper
Why would Carolina do this deal? I’m out of the loop on hockey for the most part.
I'm starting to think Stevie Y has some dirty intel on all of the GMs in the league.
I think they have cap issues.
Apparently they didn't want to go to arbitration with him. Seems like a gift for Detroit.
What a phenomenal trade. Bernier was going to test free agency. So you grab one of the best young goalies in the league for a third round pick.
He posted a .932 save percentage to go along with a 1.90 GAA in 23 games last season fwiw. Small sample size but fills a huge need.
Led the league in both stats. I thought he could've been a Vezina candidate, but I'm sure game count crushed his chances.
Very good use of a 3rd round pick. The Wings had virtually no young goaltending in the organization that we could look forward to.
Finally, getting excited for the Wings. Let's go!
Highway robbery!
There were 30 other teams they could have dealt with. This was Main St. robbery at high noon by Yzerman.
Oh Captain, My Captain!
In Stevie we trust.
Trust the Yzerplan -- I do. LGRW!!
-1 for the use of “tendy,’ wiscy,” or “natty.”
Tarps off, boys!
Yes. Yes. A million times yes. If there was a -100 button and you had to choose between only using it to neg politics based posts or to neg your list. I would choose your list in a heartbeat.
Do you remember last year?
I was jumping on the Jesper Wallstadt bandwagon last week… but with this trade they can focus on strengthening the center position with that 6th pick.
I like it. There’s always the fear that he could end up being one of those flash in the pan goalies who come out strong and can never replicate it, but Stevie obviously didn’t give up much to acquire him. This should also significantly decrease the chances of Detroit taking a goalie with one of their two 1st rders - which I’m never big on.
In an interesting Michigan related note, this kid played on that stacked Belle Tire team that Larkin, Werenski, and Connor all played on as teens.
On another Michigan related note apparently he was golfing at UM when he took the trade call.
Looks like a great trade on the surface. It'll be interesting to see how he does behind this defense, but hopefully Seider can help out there a bit.
I don't expect his rookie numbers to hold (especially with the Wings defense) but even with a marginal fall-off, that's a really solid get for the 3rd round pick. And even if he regresses a bit, a 2 year, $3M per year contract does not really hurt the Wings. And if he does really well, he is still RFA in 2 years. Just a fantastic deal on all accounts.
Huge get. Now lets hope Luke Hughes falls in our lap @ 6. Wishful thinking
He's 25 yrs. old and was put on waivers to start the season. He cleared, and was put on the taxi squad. Came in when Mrazek got hurt and played very well. This was officially his rookie season, so he was a Calder Trophy finalist. He could be finally hitting his stride, or he may return to mediocrity, but it's a good get considering that Bernier was a UFA. I don't understand why Carolina wouldn't just give him a pay raise unless they think Bernier is that much better. The Wings could still take Wallstedt, but at least now they have another young prospect at goaltender. Which is something they are sorely lacking.
Alex N has many ties to this area, and very happy for him and the Wings. Can't say I knew him well, but chatted with him a few times when he played for the Plymouth Whalers in the OHL. He seemed special then and he really has a great head on his shoulders and elite upside. To me, this is the best trade the Wings have made in years! And looking forward to Fri/Sat NHL draft to see what other talent Stevie Y brings to Motown. Very likely a few more trades to come as well!