Projecting the Carolina Hurricanes prospects: Goalies

RALEIGH, NC - JUNE 29: Mike Vellucci, the new head coach of the Charlotte Checkers, instructs players during the Carolina Hurricanes Development Camp on June 29, 2017 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - JUNE 29: Mike Vellucci, the new head coach of the Charlotte Checkers, instructs players during the Carolina Hurricanes Development Camp on June 29, 2017 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 28: Alex Nedeljkovic #35 of the Carolina Hurricanes is photographed in the bench area during an NHL game against the Detroit Red Wings on March 28, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 28: Alex Nedeljkovic #35 of the Carolina Hurricanes is photographed in the bench area during an NHL game against the Detroit Red Wings on March 28, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

Alex Nedeljkovic is off to the best start in his professional career.  Nedeljkovic was drafted in the 2nd round in 2014.  He had a professional tryout that year and performed solidly with the Florida Everblades.  He returned to Canadian Junior Hockey for the remainder of 14-15 and all of 15-16.  His first full professional season last year failed to live up to his draft status and amateur success. His save percentage last season was below .900 and his Goals Against Average was above 3.00 in 37 games split between the Charlotte Checkers and Florida Everblades.

The first game of the Checkers’ new season looked to be repeating the young goalie’s sub-par play.  Nedeljkovic allowed 4 goals on 23 shots.  Since the season opener, he has been better–and has only given up one gaol in each of his last two starts.

He currently has a .916 save%, a 2.35 GAA, and has won all 6 of his starts.  At this point, “Ned” looks like he is living up to the expectations that he would be at least a solid NHL 1B type goalie.

Schedule