What’s Next for the Devils Free Agent Goaltender?
Though goaltender Jake Allen impressed as a guest analyst during Sportsnet’s Hockey Night in Canada telecast, his sharp play with the Devils proves he’s still got plenty to offer on the ice. Allen’s status as an unrestricted free agent this offseason has stirred widespread speculation about where he might land. With their hardly being any strong contenders among UFA goalies, he’s likely to draw interest from multiple teams. While the Devils may look to clear cap space in hopes of retaining him, Allen’s skill set makes him an asset that the entire league will look to benefit from.
The Devils have undoubtedly struggled with goaltending in recent seasons, but the additions of Allen and Jacob Markström have provided much-needed stability. The 12-year veteran started 29 games for New Jersey during the regular season, stepping up notably while Markström was sidelined with an injury. Though Allen posted a 13-16-1 record, he recorded a solid .908 save percentage and notched four shutouts, consistently giving the team a chance to compete. Making him a permanent fixture on the roster would give the Devils a reliable, experienced presence in net, something they’ve sorely lacked in recent years.
While Allen has proven his value, the Devils must consider whether re-signing him is truly necessary and whether it’s financially feasible under their salary cap. In addition to re-signing Markström to another year, the team has already committed to Nico Daws with a one-way contract for next season. Daws appeared in six games during the regular season, posting three wins and a .939 save percentage, but his readiness for a full-time NHL role remains a topic of debate. Regardless of where he plays, whether with the Devils or assigned to Utica in the AHL, Daws will earn his NHL salary, further complicating New Jersey’s cap situation and adding pressure to make strategic goaltending decisions this offseason. With the Devils expected to re-sign defenseman Luke Hughes, a significant portion of their remaining cap space will be used, limiting the team’s ability to make major additions.
The Devils aren’t the only team with a vested interest in Allen. Allen is considered to be the strongest UFA goalie available, standing out against Ilya Samsonov, Alexandar Georgiev, Alex Lyon, and Anton Forsberg. With several teams in need of a dependable backup, Allen’s quality performance could drive up his market value, making him a pricier acquisition. Until the day comes when he potentially trades the crease for the commentary desk, Allen will continue to let his game do the talking, no matter which team he suits up for next.
