3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Alex Nedeljkovic

The free-agent market opens on July 1 and all signs are pointing to goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic being available. The Pittsburgh Penguins pending UFA has yet to sign a new contract and could essentially, after a strong season, be pricing himself out of the Penguins wheelhouse.

Nedeljkovic ended last season with a 18-7-7 record along with a 2.97 GAA and .902 Sv.%. He was on a one-year deal worth $1.5 million and the 28-year-old now looks to secure a multi-year deal this offseason. Here's three potential destinations:

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets are likely to lose Laurent Brossoit, who had himself his own stellar season last year. The Jets have an elite netminder in Connor Hellebuyck and could turn to Nedeljkovic to fill Brossoit's shoes in 2024-25 and beyond. Winnipeg has $13.6 in projected cap space and it's likely Nedeljkovic's next deal comes in around $2 million annually. Could be a match here.

New Jersey Devils

If the Devils don't land a 1-A starter via trade, they will turn to the next best thing, which is finding Jake Allen and tandem partner. Nedeljkovic is young enough that he should be able to take on a bigger work load if needed as well. Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald admitted he's open to moving out the #10 overall pick at the 2024 NHL Draft for a goalie, so if his plans don't work out, look for Nedeljkovic to be on his radar.

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings appear set to move on from Cam Talbot, meanwhile re-signed David Rittich at season's end. Now they have a spot open and could also, like many teams, go with a tandem approach over finding a true #1 goalie. Nedeljkovic won't cost a ton which shouldn't be an issue anyways as GM Rob Blake has over $20 million to work with this summer. The Kings will prioritize finding a top-six forward first, but then will turn their attention to their crease, where Nedeljkovic could be standing come game one next season.