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Examining the Carolina Hurricanes’ Goalie Situation

By Alex Ohari

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 19: Carolina Hurricanes goalie Petr Mrazek (34) stands in goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Chicago Blackhawks on November 19, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo By Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 19: Carolina Hurricanes goalie Petr Mrazek (34) stands in goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Chicago Blackhawks on November 19, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo By Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 25: The artwork on the mask of Carolina Hurricanes goalie Alex Nedeljkovic (39) is shown prior to the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes, held on September 25, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 25: The artwork on the mask of Carolina Hurricanes goalie Alex Nedeljkovic (39) is shown prior to the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes, held on September 25, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

In-House Options

The most feasible and maybe realistic option the Canes could turn to is promising goaltending prospect Alex Nedeljkovic, whom they had enough faith in to award him with a one-way deal for the 2020-21 season. Nedejkovic just recently celebrated his 24th birthday, and is in the midst of his 4th season developing in the Canes pro system.

After his stellar run of form last season to aid the Charlotte Checkers Calder Cup victory, many had pegged Nedeljkovic as a replacement for the now-departed Curtis McElhinney, as Nedeljkovic posted a .916 save% last season and has been long called upon by Caniacs for a run in Carolina’s crease. Unfortunately, the acquisition of James Reimer put a hold on Nedeljkovic’s arrival.

He had a nightmarish start to the season in Charlotte, losing his first 3 games and allowing 11 goals on just 52 shots, and some onlookers quickly turned on Nedeljkovic claiming that his stellar play last season was just a product of a great Charlotte roster and defense group. However, it’s safe to say Ned has really silenced those critics since then.

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Since that terrible start, Nedeljkovic’s last 15 starts have resulted in a 9-5-1 record, with a 2.00 GAA and a .926 save percentage in those games. He’s been an immense part of the Checkers’ recent revival, and despite an extremely limited sample size, he’s shown (in just 90 minutes) that he can handle NHL quality competition.

Nedeljkovic has a cap hit of just 725K at the NHL level, so technically the Hurricanes could summon him at any time. The offsetting part of that is that they would be sitting one of Mrazek or Reimer in the press box, whom both count for more than 3M each against the cap. They could also look to waive one of them, but I’m not sure the situation has escalated to that point *yet*.

As things currently stand, with Nedeljkovic’s recent run of fantastic form in Charlotte, I don’t think he’d be any worse than what we’ve seen in the Hurricanes net this year, and, considering the franchises’ hopes for him in the future, right now might be a good time to see just what he can do.

Their other option in the AHL is Anton Forsberg, who nearly beat out Reimer in the backup-goaltending competition back in training camp this season. Could Reimer looking like he had no business in an NHL rink against Philadelphia re-open the door for Forsberg?

In case you forgot, I think it’s important to note that Forsberg was awarded a one-way deal in arbitration (which was a JOKE) so the Canes are paying him a full $775,000 salary this year, regardless if he ever sets foot in the Hurricanes crease or not. The fact that Forsberg was awarded a one-way contract really upset Canes brass after he didn’t play a single NHL minute the season prior.

In terms of on-ice performance, the 27-year old Forsberg has left a lot to be desired. His numbers in Charlotte aren’t terrible on the surface, but a 2.7 GAA and a steady .909 save percentage at the AHL level this year doesn’t inspire much confidence. Beyond that, his .901 save percentage in 45 NHL games is pedestrian at best, and the Canes would likely be better suited looking elsewhere for help.

Just to do due diligence on all possible options, the Canes could also theoretically take a crack with either Callum Booth or Jeremy Helvig, who’re both developing in the pro system. Unfortunately, both now 22-years old, neither guy has even been able to hold down a starting role in the ECHL yet (Booth has played just 4 games all season, Helvig 12).

At this point, not only is their immediate future a write-off but their potential NHL futures are very much up in the air, and if they’re ever going to be of service to the Hurricanes it won’t be for years down the road.

With all the current in-house options taken care of, now we can take a look at potential trade options.

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