Grading the Red Wings: Alex Nedeljkovic Trade

Shortly after the roster freeze ended, the Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes struck a deal that sent pending UFA Jonathan Bernier and a 3rd Round Pick to Carolina in exchange for Calder Trophy Finalist Alex Nedeljkovic. Steve Yzerman pulled off yet another surprising and unexpected trade just days after acquiring Nick Leddy from the Islanders. This trade makes a ton of sense from Detroit’s end as they acquire a young goaltender with massive upside who could see the team through the rebuild. Not to mention, Detroit didn’t give up very much in terms of draft capital. They did, however, move on from Jonathan Bernier who was outstanding for them in net the past few seasons. Bernier was set to be a free agent and there was no guarantee Detroit would keep him so maximizing his value was a fantastic move by Yzerman. Meanwhile on Carolina’s end, this doesn’t make much sense. They have had issues with consistent goaltending for a while now and it seemed like Nedeljkovic was the answer to their issues. It seems that Carolina didn’t see him as very vital to their future success.

Carolina Hurricanes Grade: D

This grade for the Hurricanes may seem a little harsh but it’s hard justifying it should be any higher. The Hurricanes finally had a solution in net long term and they sent him packing for an undervalued package. Bernier is a good goaltender but there is nothing forcing him to sign in Carolina and the 3rd round pick has an extremely low chance of becoming an NHL contributor (especially since it’s the 3rd from Vegas so it’s closer to the 4th round). It seems that Carolina wanted to move on due to a contract and arbitration dispute. They apparently didn’t feel like giving Nedeljkovic his asking price of $3.5 million per season. Which is more than a fair asking price for him, it’s strange they didn’t believe he was worth that. There are backups that get paid way more and bring way less to the table in terms of talent and potential. Nedeljkovic was a big reason why the Hurricanes did as well as they did to close out the season and they essentially kicked him to the curb. There’s a good chance he makes the Carolina Hurricanes regret moving on from him.

Detroit Red Wings: A+

It seems Steve Yzerman heard me when I said he may have overpaid for Leddy because he pulled off a masterpiece of a trade here. The Red Wings got a young goalie that was up for Calder Trophy last season and has a ton of upside. Nedeljkovic posted a .932 Save % and a 1.90 GAA in 23 starts for the Hurricanes. That made him one of the best goalies last year (although it wasn’t a full season’s worth of games). Shortly after the trade, Nedeljkovic was extended for two seasons at $3.0 Million. Which is surprIsing that Carolina wouldn’t commit to that and that Detroit seems to have committed to Nedeljkovic for now. Is Nedeljkovic the long term starter for the Red Wings? It’s very possible considering what he has shown us so far. Even if they decide to ride with Sebastian Cossa, who they just drafted 15th overall, there’s a good chance that Nedeljkovic is a solid piece for them. Detroit finally has a future in net after years of failed projects and prospects. Hopefully, both net minders pan out for Detroit and they are able to have some options when they get back into the playoffs in a few seasons. For now, Steve Yzerman will keep adding assets and players that will shape this team’s future and identity to ensure future success.