Devils Internally Discussing Goaltender Jake Allen as Trade Target

In general manager Tom Fitzgerald’s war room, there are certainly multiple names on his trade target board. As previously reported, we know John Gibson is one of the names Fitzgerald has re-engaged his interest in. Nikita Zadorov was another name that had a pin in it, however, he’s since been traded to the Vancouver Canucks. Chris Tanev remains with the Calgary Flames. He’s a defenseman the Devils have already expressed interest in. Jake Allen, one of the three goaltenders currently with the Montreal Canadiens, is suspected to be on the list as well. A recent report confirms New Jersey’s interest in Allen.

On Thursday’s TSN Insider Trading, Pierre LeBrun explained that the Devils are one of two teams interested in potentially acquiring Allen. The other is Metropolitan Division rival, Carolina Hurricanes, who are also having severe goaltending issues.

“Those teams expect to circle back to the Canadians about Jake Allen which doesn’t necessarily mean that the trade is imminent but that those conversations will become, will start more in earnest fashion. Carolina is among the teams that I believe has had a conversation with Montreal recently. New Jersey is another team that is internally debating the Jake Allen idea. We know Marty (Brodeur) — when he was in St. Louis — spent time with Jake Allen so he knows him well.”

Devils AGM Martin Brodeur knows Allen after his brief stint tending the St. Louis Blues crease in 2014-15. That relationship continued in his time as Doug Armstrong’s special assistant post-retirement. The 11-year NHL veteran goaltender has a .909 SV% and 2.72 GAA.

The Canadiens recently extended goaltender Samuel Montembault on a three-year contract. The Habs are also rostering Cayden Primeau as part of their three-goalie rotation.

Allen has one year remaining on his contract following the 2023-24 season with a $3.85 million cap hit.

This season, Allen’s sporting a 4-6-2 record with a .904 SV% and 3.43 GAA. Depending on the cost, it’s fair to question if Allen is much of an upgrade over Akira Schmid and Vitek Vanecek.

The NHL is currently in it’s holiday roster freeze. That means if anything comes to fruition, it can’t happen until 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 28 when the roster freeze lifts.

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