TWO-YEAR DEAL FOR $6 MILLION SECURES GOALTENDING Tandem
Alex Nedeljkovic, the 30-year-old netminder for the San Jose Sharks, has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $6 million. This agreement, carrying an annual value of $3 million, ensures Nedeljkovic will remain with the team through at least the 2026-27 season, solidifying the goaltending situation alongside young prospect Yaroslav Askarov.
Nedeljkovic, who arrived in San Jose via trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins last July, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His new deal eliminates speculation that he might be moved before the trade deadline, a possibility that had surfaced given his pending free agent status.
This season, Nedeljkovic has posted an 11-9-2 record in 26 games (21 starts) for the Sharks. His statistics include a 2.83 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. He has been a key figure in the Sharks' recent performance, marked by a strong stretch of six wins in his last seven starts with a .928 save percentage. Compared to his teammate Askarov, Nedeljkovic has registered a higher 'Goals Saved Above Expected' metric.
CAREER STATS AND IMPLICATIONS
Across his nine-year NHL career, which includes stints with the Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Sharks, Nedeljkovic has compiled an 85-69-29 record. His career goals-against average stands at 2.97 with a .903 save percentage. The extension represents the second player the Sharks have signed to an extension this week leading up to the trade deadline, signaling a move to stabilize the roster. The Sharks, currently hovering around the playoff picture in the Western Conference, aim to solidify their position for the remainder of the season and build for the future. The team's overall save percentage this season has ranked in the lower half of the league.