The San Jose Sharks announced that they have signed goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to a two-year contract extension worth six million dollars, with an average annual value of three million. General Manager Mike Grier made the announcement, securing Nedeljkovic’s services through the upcoming seasons as the team looks to strengthen its goaltending depth.
Performance Highlights and Recent Form
At 30 years old, Nedeljkovic has appeared in 26 games for San Jose, holding an 11-9-2 record with a 2.83 goals-against average (GAA) and a .902 save percentage (SV%). Over his last eight appearances, he achieved a 6-1-0 record while maintaining at least a .913 SV%. Notably, he recorded a career-best streak of five consecutive wins between January 6 and 23 and marked his 200th NHL game on January 15 at Washington. On January 19, in a game versus the Florida Panthers, Nedeljkovic engaged in his first official NHL fight and posted his best SV% of the season with .972, stopping 35 of 36 shots in that victory.
Career Overview and Statistical Record
Across 205 NHL games with Carolina, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and San Jose, Nedeljkovic has compiled an 85-69-29 record, a 2.97 GAA, and a .903 SV%, including nine career shutouts. His remarkable rookie season in 2020-21 saw him lead the NHL with a 1.90 GAA and a .932 SV%, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team and finishing third in Calder Trophy voting, awarded to the league’s top rookie. Additionally, in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games that season with the Hurricanes, he posted a 2.17 GAA and a .920 SV%.
Unique Scoring Milestone and AHL Success
Alex Nedeljkovic has also demonstrated offensive skill uncommon for a goaltender. On January 17, 2025, he scored his first career NHL goal, becoming the 16th goaltender in league history to do so. Moreover, he became the first NHL goalie to score a goal and register an assist in the same game, and remains the only goaltender to have scored goals in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.
In the American Hockey League, Nedeljkovic has played 182 games with teams including Charlotte, Grand Rapids, and Wilkes-Barre. His AHL accolades include winning the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the league’s top goaltender and being named a First Team All-Star during the 2018-19 season. He earned a Calder Cup Championship alongside then-Checkers assistant coach Ryan Warsofsky in 2019 and was again selected to the AHL First All-Star Team in 2020.
International Experience and Draft Background
Nedeljkovic has represented the United States at various international tournaments, including the 2024 World Championships, the 2016 World Junior Championships where he won a bronze medal, and the 2014 U-18 Championships, winning gold. The six-foot, 203-pound native of Parma, Ohio, was originally selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round, 37th overall, during the 2014 NHL Draft.
Implications of the Contract Extension
By securing Alex Nedeljkovic with this two-year deal, the San Jose Sharks aim to build greater stability in their goaltending lineup as they pursue improved performance in future seasons. Nedeljkovic’s combination of strong recent form, career experience across multiple teams, and unique contributions both on and off the ice make him a valuable asset going forward. The extension underscores the franchise’s confidence in his ability to contribute consistently in net while also embracing his leadership and competitive spirit.
“San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) General Manager Mike Grier announced today that the club has signed goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to a two-year contract extension worth six million dollars (three million AAV).”
“He recorded his first official career fight in the game against the Florida Panthers on Jan. 19, where he also posted a .972 SV%, his best of the season, stopping 35 of 36 shots in the win.”
“In his first full NHL season of 2020-21, Nedeljkovic led the NHL with a 1.90 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage. He was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team and finished third in Calder Memorial Trophy voting as the NHL’s top rookie.”
“On January 17, 2025, Nedeljkovic scored his first career NHL goal, becoming the 16th NHL goaltender to do so. He also became the first goaltender in NHL history to score a goal and record an assist in the same game, as well as the only goaltender to score a goal in the NHL, AHL and ECHL.”
