The Pittsburgh Penguins activated goalie Alex Nedeljkovic from injured reserve Thursday morning, assigning him to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League on a conditioning loan.
Nedeljkovic sustained an undisclosed ailment during the preseason and began the year on injured reserve.
While unable to suit up for the Penguins so far, Nedeljkovic has steadily begun to retake the ice in practice, while not participating in any of the club’s usual drills, line rushes or special teams work.
Joining Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and getting back into game shape represents a step in the right direction for Nedeljkovic in getting his season underway.
The 28-year-old was signed to a two-year extension in June worth $2.5 million annually.
Last year for the Penguins, he went 18-7-7 with a 2.97 goals-against average and .902 save percentage, effectively taking over as the No. 1 goalie during the stretch run.
When Nedeljkovic is ready to return to the NHL, the Penguins will have a tricky goaltending decision on their hands.
Starter Tristan Jarry has been ineffective so far this season, going 1-1 with a 5.47 GAA and .833 save percentage. Meanwhile, rookie Joel Blomqvist has performed capably, going 2-1 with a 2.86 GAA and .913 save percentage.
Keeping three goalies on the NHL roster is generally seen as cumbersome, though Blomqvist’s $886,667 cap hit might make it more bearable.
Nedeljkovic played one game on a conditioning assignment with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton as he recovered from an injury last season, and it was a memorable appearance. He became the first AHL goalie to score two career goals when he found the net during a 4-2 victory over the Providence Bruins on Nov. 17.
Note: The Penguins had a scheduled off day Thursday.