The battle for the Pittsburgh Penguins No. 1 goaltender job added an unfortunate wrinkle on Monday.
Alex Nedeljkovic, who is battling with Tristan Jarry for the team’s No. 1 spot between the pipes, exited Monday’s pre-season game against the Detroit Red Wings with 6:56 remaining in the first period and did not return.
After the game, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters that Nedeljkovic is being evaluated for a lower-body injury and that the team would share more details on Tuesday.
Nedeljkovic, 28, took over the starting role from Jarry at the end of last season and started the team’s final 13 games. Many believed that gave him a leg up to start as the team’s No. 1 netminder.
In 38 games for Pittsburgh last season, Nedeljkovic finished with a 2.97 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage.
Meanwhile, Jarry had a 2.91 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage over 51 appearances for the Penguins during the 2023-24 season.
The Penguins open their season on Oct. 9 against the New York Rangers.
