Canes sign goalie Alex Nedeljkovic to two-year contract
The Carolina Hurricanes have signed a goalie to a new contract: Alex Nedeljkovic.
While the Canes continue to try and sign goalies Petr Mrazek or Curtis McElhinney before NHL free agency begins July 1, Nedeljkovic received a two-year contract Friday.
Nedeljkovic, named the AHL goaltender of the year in 2018-19 with the Charlotte Checkers, will be paid $725,000 at the NHL level or $70,000 at the AHL level with a $125,000 guarantee in 2019-20. In 2020-21, the contract is a one-way deal paying $750,000.
“Alex had an outstanding season in Charlotte last year and was a major part of the Checkers’ success,” Canes general manager Don Waddell said in a statement. “We expect him to contend for a roster spot with the Hurricanes in training camp.”
Nedeljkovic, 23, was a restricted free agent. The Canes continue to negotiate with Mrazek and McElhinney, who both will be unrestricted free agents on July 1 if not re-signed.
Nedeljkovic was a second-round draft pick by Carolina in 2014, 37th overall. He is coming off his best pro season, having gone 34-9-5 in the 2018-19 regular season with the Checkers, the Canes’ AHL affiliate, with a 2.26 goal-against average and .916 save percentage.
Nedeljkovic was 10-4 in the Calder Cup playoffs as the Checkers won the AHL championship, a franchise first. Nedeljkovic also made his first NHL start on Jan. 23, 2019, making 24 saves in a 5-2 road victory against the Vancouver Canucks.
Nedeljkovic has a 73-35-9 record with 10 shutouts, a 2.59 GAA and .904 save percentage in 125 career AHL games.
