The Daily: Penguins Keep ex-Red Wings Player; Detroit Draft Party

Former Detroit Red Wings goal Alex Nedeljkovic, who may have been the most desirable goalie in the free agent market, decided to stay with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now has the details and analysis about Nedeljkovic signing a two-year deal at $2.5 million per season.

By the end of last season, Nedeljkovic was the Penguins’ go-to guy in net. He played 38 games last season, and started the last 13 as the Penguins fell short of making the playoffs.

Tristan Jarry is probably still the team’s No. 1 goalie, but Nedeljkovic might be the team’s 1A netminder.

As he was when he played in Detroit, Nedeljkovic is popular with his Pittsburgh teammates.

With Alex Nedeljkovic under contract, the Penguins now have 12 players scheduled to hit free agency on July 1 (excluding retirements or those who have signed in Europe): pic.twitter.com/Ebb2pzSitS

— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) June 20, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Believe or not, Detroit goalie prospect Trey Augustine has more eligibility left for the World Junior Championships.

Detroit executive Jim Devellano was right about Detroit draft pick Anthony Mantha years ago.

Red Wings re-sign defenseman Albert Johansson. He got a two-way contract for $775,000.

Paywall story: The Red Wings have more than $27 million in cap space uncommitted, but it will disappear quickly when the re-sign Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. DHN walks readers through the reality that the Red Wings are limited a bit on what they can do this summer. To sign up for a subscription, click here. To receive a $10 discount on a yearly subscription, use the promo code kevin10.

Red Wings Offseason

The Red Wings will offer the Sticks and Picks Festival at Little Caesars Arena on Friday, June 28, in conjunction with the first round of the NHL draft in Las Vegas. The family-friendly festival will be held outside in the Plaza and inside the arena. Tickets are $5. They can be purchased here, or at the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena the day of the event from 4-8 p.m. GM Steve Yzerman owns the 15th pick in the first round.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: History provides insight into the Levshunov vs. Demidov debate heading into the NHL draft. Chicago Blackhawks.

Colorado: Center Ross Colton may be on the trading block as the Avalanche attempt to create more cap space. Colorado Avalanche. 

Philadelphia: The Flyers are waiting for guidance on dealing with the Carter Hart situation. Philadelphia Flyers.

San Jose: The Sharks were on Barclay Goodrow’s no-trade list, but he’s mad at the New York Rangers, not the San Jose Sharks.