Alex Nedeljkovic

Nedeljkovic was a finalist for the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year two seasons ago, but regression smacked the Ohio native in the face last year in his first campaign with the Red Wings. In 59 games, Nedeljkovic posted a 20-24-9 record, 3.31 GAA and .901 save percentage. A dip was to be expected considering he finished the 2020-21 season at 15-5-3, 1.90 and .932, but the decline was more significant than most imagined. Nedeljkovic's poor performance led to Detroit trading for the rights to Ville Husso from the Blues and then signing him to a three-year deal worth $4.75 million per year, leaving Nedeljkovic -- who is scheduled for unrestricted free agency next summer -- slated for a backup role in 2022-23.

With Carolina's goaltending situation in shambles, Nedeljkovic came out of nowhere to run away with the No. 1 job. He posted a 15-5-3 record along with a 1.90 GAA and a .932 save percentage on his way to being named a Calder Trophy finalist and to the NHL's All-Rookie Team. The penny-pinching Hurricanes then shocked the hockey world by dealing Nedeljkovic to Detroit for a draft pick this past July. He immediately signed a new two-year, $6 million deal with the Wings and should serve as the team's starter ahead of Thomas Greiss moving forward. Just keep in mind moving from Carolina to Detroit is a major downgrade in terms of fantasy production and Nedeljkovic's numbers are likely to suffer as a result.

Nedeljkovic produced well at the AHL level last year, going 16-10-2 with a 2.49 GAA and a .906 save percentage in 29 games. He also made four appearances at the NHL level, although they were nothing to write home about. The 24-year-old remains third on the Hurricanes' goalie depth chart, as Petr Mrazek and James Reimer are again set to split the NHL duties in 2020-21. Look for Nedeljkovic to earn a spot on the taxi squad, and if he doesn't stick there, he'll likely be the primary starter for the Hurricanes' new AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.

Nedeljkovic had a solid season for the OHL Mississauga IceDogs last year, posting a 15-13-2 record and helping the team enjoy a deep playoff run. At the World Juniors, he was arguably one of Team USA’s best players, finishing the tournament with a .943 save percentage and 1.66 GAA, leading his team to a bronze medal finish. Looking ahead, now that the Hurricanes have locked up Cam Ward to a two-year extension, we expect Nedeljkovic to arrive in the NHL in time for the 2018-19 season and take over as the Hurricanes' No. 1 starter. For now, he will continue to hone his craft in the minors.