Alex Nedeljkovic Set to Start for San Jose Sharks Against Kraken

Alex Nedeljkovic is slated to start in net for the San Jose Sharks against the Kraken on Saturday. He began the 2023-24 season as the Pittsburgh Penguins' No. 2 goalie behind Tristan Jarry but took over the starter's role in late March, starting the team's final 13 games with an 8-1-3 record, bringing them within three points of the playoffs. While he made timely saves and boosted confidence, his GSAx was barely above zero. Nedeljkovic is considered a 1B type or a 30-start backup. He was a Calder Trophy finalist two seasons ago with Carolina (15-5-3, 1.90 GAA, .932 SV%) before being traded to Detroit, where his numbers regressed (20-24-9, 3.31 GAA, .901 SV% in 59 games in 2021-22). He was demoted to AHL Grand Rapids last year but returned with improved play (.920 SV% in six games). Despite his past, he's currently locked into a backup role.