Should The Detroit Red Wings Explore Trading Alex Nedeljkovic?

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic came to Detroit last season from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for goaltender Jonathan Bernier and a third-round pick in 2021. With high expectations, Nedeljkovic played well behind a Red Wings defense that was below average.

He performed well under the circumstances. In his first year in Detroit, he posted a record of 20-24-9 with a .901 save percentage and a goals-against average of 3.34. Not bad considering the Detroit Red Wings’ defense was one of the worst in the league.

Better thoughts went into the 2022-2023 season with hopes of better numbers between the pipes.

Could a change of scenery work for Nedeljkovic and the Detroit Red Wings?

Then, the Red Wings did a sign-and-trade with the St. Louis Blues for the services of goaltender Ville Husso. This move turned out to be one of the best moves in the off-season as Husso has grabbed that number one spot, and he has incredible numbers so far.

As for Nedeljkovic, the trade has been less than stellar for his position on the team.

With Husso being the guy in the crease, Nedeljkovic’s play has suffered. Going from a number-one caliber goaltender in Carolina just two seasons ago to a below-average goaltender this year does not bode well for Nedeljkovic.

So far this season, he is 2-3-1 with a goals-against average of 4.33 and a save percentage of .873. The question is, does Nedeljkovic get traded before the end of the season?

Nedeljkovic is an unrestricted free agent after this season, and his current cap hit is $3 million. With a few teams, like the Toronto Maple Leafs, having goaltending issues, does Detroit pull the trigger and move him elsewhere?

He does have some trade value and potential and could still be a potential starter. If the Detroit Red Wings do make a move, then the question becomes, who would be the backup goaltender?

Red Wings prospect and Grand Rapids goaltender Victor Brattstrom likely gets a call-up and becomes that player.

With plenty of the season still remaining, Nedeljkovic could very well turn this around, but will that turnaround be in Detroit?

If one looks just at numbers, he has struggled mightily in Detroit. A change of scenery could be good for him to reestablish his skills, get his game back on track, and become a number-one-caliber goaltender again.