Alex Nedeljkovic Bio
Alexander Nedeljkovic is an American professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 7, 1996, in Parma, Ohio, Nedeljkovic was selected 37th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and catching with his left hand, he is recognized for his reflexes, composure, and rare offensive contributions as a goaltender.
Across his professional career, Nedeljkovic has suited up for the Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and San Jose Sharks. He made headlines in 2025 by becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to score a goal and record an assist in the same game, cementing his reputation as one of the most distinctive netminders of his generation.
Early Life and Background
Alexander Nedeljkovic was born in Parma, Ohio, and grew up in nearby Cleveland, where he developed his early passion for hockey. He is of Serbian descent, and his grandparents are from a village near the town of Ljubovija in western Serbia. The back plate of his goalie mask features a Serbian cross, a tribute to both his heritage and his Orthodox Christian faith.
Nedeljkovic is the oldest of four children, with one younger brother and two younger sisters. His mother works as a nurse, and he played youth hockey for the Cleveland Junior Barons bantam AAA team, including competing in the 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. These early years in Cleveland laid the foundation for his rise through the North American hockey development system.
Path to Hockey
Nedeljkovic began his major junior career in 2012 with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In his rookie season, he posted a 2.28 goals-against average and won the F. W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy, awarded to the OHL’s top rookie goaltender. He was also named to the 2012–13 OHL First All-Rookie Team, marking him as one of the league’s most promising young netminders.
The following season, Nedeljkovic earned invitations to the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game and the 2014 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, both of which showcased top draft-eligible players. On the international stage, he won a silver medal with the United States under-18 team at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. His strong junior performance led to his selection by the Carolina Hurricanes with the 37th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Alex Nedeljkovic Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
At the conclusion of the 2014–15 OHL season, Nedeljkovic signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on March 27, 2015. He was assigned to the Hurricanes’ ECHL affiliate, the Florida Everblades, to make his professional debut. He continued his junior development during the 2015–16 season, eventually being traded from the Flint Firebirds to the Niagara IceDogs.
In his rookie professional season of 2016–17, Nedeljkovic made an immediate impact. On December 30, 2016, while playing for the Florida Everblades, he became the 12th ECHL goaltender ever to score a goal. Less than a month later, on January 17, 2017, he appeared in his first NHL game in relief of starter Cam Ward against the Columbus Blue Jackets, officially beginning his top-level career.
AHL and NHL Breakthrough (2017–2021)
During the 2017–18 season, Nedeljkovic added another milestone to his resume. On March 10, 2018, while playing for the Charlotte Checkers in the American Hockey League (AHL), he became the 13th goaltender in AHL history to score a goal. After starting the 2018–19 season in the AHL, he was recalled to the Hurricanes and earned his first NHL start on January 23, 2019, making 24 saves on 26 shots to secure his first NHL victory.
The pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season proved to be Nedeljkovic’s breakthrough year. He remained with the Hurricanes due to expanded rosters and produced a stellar campaign, recording his first career NHL shutout on February 20, 2021, in a 4–0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. He finished the regular season 15–5–3, led all NHL goaltenders who played at least 20 games with a 1.90 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage, and was named NHL Rookie of the Month for March 2021.
In the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Nedeljkovic registered his first postseason win on May 17 against the Nashville Predators, followed by his first playoff shutout two days later. He finished with four wins in nine postseason games, helping Carolina advance to the second round. In June 2021, he was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, ultimately placing third behind Kirill Kaprizov and Jason Robertson, and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.
Detroit Red Wings Era (2021–2023)
As a restricted free agent, Nedeljkovic was traded to the Detroit Red Wings on July 22, 2021, in exchange for Jonathan Bernier and a 2021 third-round draft pick. The Red Wings immediately signed him to a two-year, $6 million contract. He recorded his first shutout as a Red Wing on January 15, 2022, against the Buffalo Sabres, with several family members in attendance at Little Caesars Arena.
After a strong start to his Detroit tenure, Nedeljkovic struggled in the early months of 2022, going 2–5–1 over a stretch of nine appearances with a 4.64 goals-against average and an .849 save percentage. He also drew national attention on March 10, 2022, when he accidentally knocked a wide puck into his own net, an event the Detroit Free Press called a “gaffe for the ages.” Despite the ups and downs, his time in Detroit established him as a full-time NHL starter.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2023–2025)
On July 1, 2023, Nedeljkovic signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. During a rehab stint with the Penguins’ AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, on November 17, 2023, he scored his second AHL goal in a 4–2 road win over the Providence Bruins, becoming the first goaltender in AHL history to score two or more career goals.
The Penguins re-signed Nedeljkovic to a two-year, $5 million contract extension on June 20, 2024. During the 2024–25 NHL season, on January 17, 2025, he scored his first career NHL goal in a 5–2 victory against the Buffalo Sabres, becoming the 16th NHL goaltender ever to find the back of the net. In the same game, he also recorded an assist, making him 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 have scored in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.
San Jose Sharks Era (2025–Present)
On July 1, 2025, Nedeljkovic was traded to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2028 third-round draft pick, beginning a new chapter in his career. He continued to draw attention during a January 19, 2026, game against the Florida Panthers, when he fought Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky in the third period after Evan Rodrigues checked Vincent Desharnais from behind. The bout marked the first NHL goaltender fight since 2020, when Mike Smith fought Cam Talbot.
In March 2026, Nedeljkovic signed a two-year contract extension with the Sharks, reinforcing his role as a central figure in the team’s goaltending plan. His leadership and unique offensive skill set have made him a fan favorite in San Jose.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a smaller goaltender at 6 feet 0 inches, Nedeljkovic relies on quickness, sharp angles, and outstanding positioning to make saves. He is known for his calm demeanor in high-pressure moments and his excellent rebound control, which allows his defensemen to limit second-chance opportunities. His competitive nature and willingness to engage physically, including his rare fights with opposing goaltenders, also set him apart from most of his peers.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Nedeljkovic’s most memorable moments are his goalscoring achievements at three professional levels, becoming the first goaltender in AHL history to score twice, and his historic January 2025 performance against the Buffalo Sabres. His Calder Trophy finalist season in 2020–21, his 2026 goaltender fight with Sergei Bobrovsky, and his ongoing journey across four NHL franchises all stand out as defining chapters of a one-of-a-kind career.
Alex Nedeljkovic Career Wins
Across the ECHL, AHL, and NHL, Alexander Nedeljkovic has built a career punctuated by impressive performances and historic milestones. While detailed win totals across every level are not fully documented in available sources, his victory totals include regular-season, playoff, and international achievements. Below is a summary of the major highlights that have shaped his win record.
NHL Highlights
In the NHL, Nedeljkovic earned his first victory on January 23, 2019, against the Vancouver Canucks, stopping 24 of 26 shots. He went on to record 15 regular-season wins during the 2020–21 campaign with the Carolina Hurricanes, along with four playoff wins that same spring. He also secured his first NHL shutout in February 2021 and a playoff shutout in May 2021, both against the Nashville Predators organization.
Other Wins and Performances
In the AHL, Nedeljkovic has been a steady contributor for the Charlotte Checkers and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, highlighted by his two career goalscoring performances. At the junior level, he captured the F. W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy in his rookie OHL season, and internationally he earned a silver medal with the United States under-18 team at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
Alex Nedeljkovic Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Alexander Nedeljkovic comes from a Serbian-American family with deep roots in western Serbia. His grandparents are from a village near the town of Ljubovija, and he proudly displays a Serbian cross on the back of his goalie mask in honor of his heritage. He is the oldest of four children and grew up in a household led by his mother, who works as a nurse.
Personal Life
Nedeljkovic is married to his wife, Emma, who is also a nurse. The couple met while Nedeljkovic was playing for the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League. Their son was born in early 2024. Outside of hockey, Nedeljkovic has expressed a strong interest in aviation and a desire to earn his pilot’s license, an interest sparked after flying with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in Detroit during the summer of 2022.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 portion of the 2024–25 NHL season, Alexander Nedeljkovic played a featured role for the Pittsburgh Penguins and quickly became one of the league’s most talked-about goaltenders. His historic January 17, 2025, performance against the Buffalo Sabres, in which he scored a goal and added an assist in a 5–2 victory, defined the early months of his year and earned him national headlines.
Across the campaign, Nedeljkovic provided Pittsburgh with steady goaltending and continued to contribute offensively in rare moments. Following the season, he was traded to the San Jose Sharks on July 1, 2025, in exchange for a 2028 third-round draft pick, opening a new chapter with a rebuilding Pacific Division club.
Looking ahead, Nedeljkovic is expected to play a central role in the Sharks’ long-term goaltending plans. With a two-year contract extension signed in March 2026, he brings veteran experience, a unique goalscoring pedigree, and a competitive edge to a young San Jose roster, with his sights set on helping the franchise return to playoff contention.
