The Pittsburgh Penguins have activated goalie Alex Nedeljkovic from the injured reserve list as of Thursday morning, but rookie Joel Blomqvist’s NHL journey is not concluding just yet.
Nedeljkovic has been assigned to the AHL for a conditioning stint, as he missed several preseason games due to a lower-body injury sustained against the Detroit Red Wings on September 30.
This decision allows Penguins GM Kyle Dubas and coach Mike Sullivan to navigate an increasingly complex goaltending scenario. Starter Tristan Jarry has struggled, having been benched in the first period of the Penguins’ 6-5 overtime victory against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. Blomqvist stepped in for Jarry at 8:27 of the first period and secured the win after the team rallied from a 3-1 deficit.
Blomqvist has a .913 save percentage over three appearances, including two starts in the first five games of the season. In contrast, Jarry’s statistics include a 5.47 goals-against average and an underwhelming .833 save percentage.
A conditioning assignment typically lasts for 14 days, although the team has the option to shorten it if they choose.
