Red Wings' Nedeljkovic clears waivers, assigned to AHL

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic cleared waivers Monday and was assigned to the AHL, the team announced.

Defenseman Robert Hagg was activated off injured reserve in a corresponding move.

Nedeljkovic has a cap hit of $3 million. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent at the expiration of his contract following the 2022-23 campaign.

The 27-year-old has a .880 save percentage and a 4.09 goals-against average in nine appearances with the Red Wings this season. He's not played for Detroit since allowing five goals on 41 shots against the Florida Panthers on Dec. 8.

Nedeljkovic was assigned to the AHL on a conditioning loan on Jan. 4. He's made six starts with the Grand Rapids Griffins, posting a .920 save percentage and a 2.30 goals-against average. Nedeljkovic recorded a 27-save shutout on Saturday in the final game of his conditioning loan.

Detroit acquired the netminder from the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021 for a third-round pick and the UFA rights to Jonathan Bernier. Nedeljkovic had a .901 save percentage in 59 contests in his first season with Detroit.

Ville Husso has taken the Red Wings' starting job after signing a three-year contract with a $4.75-million cap hit in the offseason. The 27-year-old has a .902 save percentage in 29 appearances.

Detroit claimed 31-year-old Magnus Hellberg off waivers in November. He has played as Husso's backup while Nedeljkovic has been on his conditioning loan.

The Red Wings are sixth in the Atlantic Division with an 18-16-7 record.