The Daily: Penguins Must Hurry to Sign Ex-Red Wing; Brawl Game

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now points out the Penguins may be making a mistake if they don’t re-sign Alex Nedeljkovic before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

“Nedeljkovic, 28, had an impact on the team,” Kingerski wrote. “His scrappiness and determination transferred to the team in the most important moments of the season. Coach Mike Sullivan didn’t specifically say that’s why he started Nedeljkovic in the final 14 games, but he did praise those attributes and the effect on the group

Nedeljkovic has said he wants to stay in Pittsburgh “to finish the job.” Kingerski points out the January AFP Analytics free agent projections had Nedeljkovic at two years at just over $2 million. Even if his play down the stretch raised that projection slightly, he probably still might be the best option for the Penguins to pair with Tristan Jarry.

The goalie market is mundane, and several teams are looking for a goalie. Kingerski doesn’t believe prospect Joel Blomqvist is ready.

“Nedeljkovic wasn’t unbeatable with the Penguins,” Kingerski wrote. “His overall save percentage was .902, and it was below .900 during the final run, but he showed himself to be a winner. And a fighter.”

Go Ned! 🇺🇸

Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic will represent Team USA at the 2024 @IIHFHockey World Championship.

This year marks Nedeljkovic's first time representing @usahockey at the World Championship.

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 8, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The U.S. team competing at the World Championships has a Red Wings feel even beyond Alex Lyon, Trey Augustine and the goalie coach.

GM Steve Yzerman still has no luck in the NHL draft lottery, but there will be some intriguing players available for the Red Wings at No. 15 for the 2024 NHL draft.

Paywall option:  The Red Wings were second in five-on-five scoring, and Michael Rasmussen might have been the team’s most valuable five-on-five scorers. Bob Duff has the story. If you want to subscribe, click here:To receive a $10 discount on a yearly subscription, use the promo code bob10 or kevin10.

Red Wings Offseason

The Grand Rapids still don’t know when their next playoff series will start. The Milwaukee Admirals defeated the Texas Stars 5-3 last night to tighten that series. The Nashville Predators’ 2021 first-round pick  Zach L’Heureux had a goal and three assists for the Admirals. The Stars still have a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.  Game 4 is Friday in Milwaukee.

Hockey Now Network

Boston:  Florida-Boston playoff series turns into brawl game. Pastrnak of Tkachuk: “I’m not afraid of him.” Boston Bruins.

Florida: On the undercard, Brandon Montour got his licks in against Brad Marchand. Benches looked empty at the end of the game. Florida Panthers.

New Jersey: Add Jay Woodcroft to the list of New Jersey’s coaching candidates. TSN’s Darren Dreger reported it. New Jersey Devils 

San Jose: GM Mike Grier explains why Macklin Celebrini could be ready to play now in the NHL. San Jose Sharks.