Nedeljkovic (lower body) is still being evaluated by team doctors, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The fact that Nedeljkovic is still being assessed doesn't bode well for a short-term absence, though nothing official has come from the team at this point. If there is a significant injury for the 28-year-old backstop, it would clear the way for Tristan Jarry to start the majority of the games to open the 2024-25 campaign. Joel Blomqvist would be the most likely candidate to fill the backup role in Nedeljkovic's absence -- unless the club decides to look to the waiver wire to bolster its goalie room.