The Daily: Nedeljkovic Good SJ Fit; Florida Uncovers More Gems

Former Detroit Red Wings goalie Alex Nedeljkovic admits to being caught by surprise when the Pittsburgh Penguins traded him to the San Jose Sharks.

But in a San Jose Hockey Now story, Nedeljkovic says he is excited about playing alongside Yaroslav Askarov. Plus, Nedeljkovic is being reunited with coach Ryan Warlovsky who was an assistant coach when Nedejkovic helped Charlotte win a Calder Cup in 2019.

“It’ll be my first time playing in the Western Conference,” Nedeljkovic said. “Get adjusted to travel schedules, what it’s like living on the West Coast. A little surprising, but also a lot of excitement came with it as well.”

Nedeljkovic said this about Askarov: “I don’t know if I can teach him anything on the ice. I don’t think that’s what everybody’s looking for. I think it’s more (about) being a good partner and a good teammate. Coming in and supporting him when he’s in the net and pushing him to be better too. I think that’s the only way that we can both have success: if we’re both aggressive, competing, and pushing each other to be better. We (will) both be better off for it.”

Nedeljkovic was well liked in Detroit, mostly because of the positive attitude he brought into the dressing room.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Atlantic Division teams are interested in former Detroit player Joe Veleno. The Seattle Kraken recently bought out his contract.

Sebastian Cossa is still No. 1 when you rank Detroit goalie prospects. But he will soon have others pushing him.

Red Wings won’t have a Traverse City Rookie Tournament this fall, but they will be back in 2026

Red Wings Extra

Former Red Wings player Martin Frk, 31, re-signed with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. He helped the Grand Rapids Griffins win the 2017 Calder Cup, and then played parts of two seasons  (2017-18 and 2018-19) with Detroit. Frk scored 27 goals for the Wranglers last season.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Aarif Dean writes that the Avs have some UFA options to improve their third and fourth lines. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: The Panthers discovered more gems on their way to a second Stanley Cup championship. Florida Panthers. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski talks about a Penguins “mystery” player who will be arriving from Russia soon. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: Defenseman John Klingberg says his hip feels better than it has in years. San Jose Sharks. 

Vegas: Hannah Kirkell explains why players want to play for the Vegas Golden Knights.