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Carolina Hurricanes: Can the Canes Build a Dynasty Part 3

By Joshua Ryan

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 24: Carolina Hurricanes left wing Brock McGinn (23) celebrates after his game winning goal in the second overtime against Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) on April 24, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 24: Carolina Hurricanes left wing Brock McGinn (23) celebrates after his game winning goal in the second overtime against Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) on April 24, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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VANCOUVER, BC – JANUARY 23: Carolina Hurricanes Goalie Alex Nedeljkovic (39) stand in net during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on January 23, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Carolina won 5-2. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC – JANUARY 23: Carolina Hurricanes Goalie Alex Nedeljkovic (39) stand in net during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on January 23, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Carolina won 5-2. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Nothin’ But Ned

The Value of a good goaltender goes without saying. Any team that hopes to be successful in this league must have a firm foundation placed in front of the net. So often, games hinge on that one goal scored, or the one goal saved.

Every Carolina Hurricanes fan can recall their favorite goaltender that has served the team in some capacity. Of all these names, however, how many have been truly elite? This is a necessity for the Hurricanes to enjoy a prosperous future of dynastic dominance. This team has to been one goal better than every team in the NHL, and the goaltender is the beginning and end of that pursuit.

Alex Nedeljkovic may well be the answer to this equation. As a 23-year-old former 2nd round pick in 2014, Ned has that great combination of youthful potential and American Hockey League experience. Completing his second season of AHL play, Ned has proven to be a worthy prospect for consideration, while also showing he can still get better.

In two seasons with the Charlotte Checkers, Nedeljkovic has totaled 74 games played with an .895 save percentage. These numbers may be concerning for any Hurricanes fan, but context illuminates a positive of Ned’s game. In his first season, Nedeljkovic struggled, with an .881 save percentage in 25 games. He bounced back in a  big way this season, with a .903 save percentage in 49 games.

Nedeljkovic’s place as a recipient of the Aldege Bastien Memorial Award for the AHL’s best goaltender, is one that places Nedeljkovic’s name among major NHL talents like Matt Murray, Cory Schneider, and Ryan Miller. These are names that have contributed at a high level, and Ned has the potential to be a name of similar stature.

This ability to grow from one season to the next is what should inspire hope in many concerned Hurricanes fans. If Nedeljkovic can’t make an impact next season, it is no doubt that his opportunity is soon on its way. His continued growth amidst the many games he is asked to start is where the organization should first turn to when addressing this position.

A future goaltender platoon of Alex Nedelkovic and Petr Mrazek is one that may be just enough to play the Hurricanes in prime position to takeover games. This duo is not just the final piece to the dynasty puzzle, but it all may hinge on their ability to perform.

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