Former Red Wings Goalie Alex Nedeljkovic Joins Arch-Rival Sabres on Tryout, Igniting Atlantic Division Intrigue

In a move that’s sure to send ripples through the Atlantic Division, former Detroit Red Wings netminder Alex Nedeljkovic has reportedly signed a Professional Tryout (PTO) agreement with the Buffalo Sabres for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season. The news, coming just weeks before training camps are set to open, has immediately captivated hockey fans, particularly those in Michigan, who remember Nedeljkovic’s dynamic, albeit sometimes turbulent, tenure in Detroit.

Nedeljkovic, who quickly endeared himself to the Red Wings faithful with his acrobatic saves and fiery competitiveness during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, became a cornerstone of the team’s rebuilding efforts.

While his time in Hockeytown was marked by flashes of brilliance and a genuine connection with the fanbase, the business side of hockey ultimately saw him depart. After Detroit, Nedeljkovic embarked on a journey that saw him contribute to other NHL clubs, but the consistent starting role he once coveted proved elusive.

Now, as he approaches what could be a pivotal point in his career, Nedeljkovic finds himself in a familiar division, but on the opposite side of a burgeoning rivalry.

The Buffalo Sabres, a team also in the midst of their own ambitious rise, present an intriguing opportunity. A PTO is often a last-ditch effort for seasoned veterans or a chance for a player to prove he still belongs at the NHL level. For Nedeljkovic, it’s a high-stakes audition, a chance to reclaim a significant role and remind the league of the potential he once showcased.

The optics of a former Red Wings fan favorite donning the colors of a division foe are undeniable.

Games between Detroit and Buffalo are already known for their intensity, but Nedeljkovic’s presence on the Sabres' roster, should he earn a spot, will undoubtedly add another layer of emotion to those matchups. Imagine the roar of the Little Caesars Arena crowd the first time Nedeljkovic returns to Detroit as an opponent – it promises to be a moment charged with both nostalgia and competitive fire.

For the Sabres, signing Nedeljkovic to a PTO is a low-risk, high-reward proposition.

At his best, he provides veteran experience, a competitive edge, and a potential upgrade to their goaltending depth. It also fosters internal competition, pushing existing goalies to elevate their game. For Nedeljkovic, it's a chance to prove his critics wrong and solidify his place in the NHL, all while battling for a roster spot on a team looking to make a serious push for the playoffs.

As the 2025-26 season looms, all eyes will be on Nedeljkovic’s performance during training camp and the preseason.

Will he seize this opportunity? Will his presence amplify the rivalry between two historically significant Original Six franchises? One thing is certain: Alex Nedeljkovic’s journey is far from over, and his latest chapter promises to be an engaging one for hockey fans across the league.