The Detroit Red Wings have acquired goalie Alex Nedeljkovic from the Carolina Hurricanes for a third-round pick and the rights to goaltender Jonathan Bernier.
Nedeljkovic, who is a pending restricted free agent, was a finalist for the Calder Trophy this season. His agent Rich Evans announced shortly after on Twitter that the Red Wings had agreed to a two-year, $6 million contract with his client.
The 25-year-old Nedeljkovic broke into the NHL full time this season after originally being a second-round pick in 2014. He made 23 of his 29 career starts this past season, where he posted a .932 save percentage and 1.90 goals-against average.
The move gives the Red Wings a replacement for Bernier, who was expected to walk in free agency, and provides the Red Wings some stability in a position that has been out of sorts for a few years now. Nedeljkovic will be paired with veteran backup Thomas Greiss next season but should see the majority of the start for the rebuilding Red Wings.
Bernier, 32, had a 9-11-11 record with a 2.99 goals-against average and .914 save percentage in 24 appearances with the Red Wings last season.
The draft pick going from Detroit to Carolina is the 94th overall selection in this weekend’s NHL Draft.
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