New Jersey Devils

Nichols: Time for the Devils to Consider Extending Jake Allen; Projected Contract

The New Jersey Devils have gotten the best out of Jake Allen. It’s time they consider an extension for the pending free agent goaltender.

Published

1 month ago

March 19, 2025

James Nichols

Credit: New Jersey Devils

As opposed to last season’s debacle, the New Jersey Devils’ biggest strength is arguably their goaltending this season. It’s part of the reason they’re still afloat in the playoff race in the wake of key injuries. Jake Allen has been one of the catalysts to the Devils’ recent success. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for Allen’s body of work that makes it time to consider extending the 34-year-old netminder.

Jacob Markstrom will continue to be New Jersey’s No.1 goaltender in his Devils tenure. However, Allen has been incredible in his role this season.

After acquiring Allen at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, it seemed as though the succession plan was clear. Nico Daws signed a two-year contract last summer. It started as a two-way contract in year one, and upgrades to a one-way contract on July 1st. It seemed fairly obvious the backup role to Markstrom is Daws’ next season.

Yet, although the Devils are likely playoff-bound with a 96.5% chance of making the postseason, per Moneypuck, they won’t be the truest form of themselves when it matters most.

It’s likely that Markstrom gets the nod in Game 1 of the first round. And once teams get to the postseason, they don’t typically run with a tandem.

However, you have to get to the playoffs first, and although that’s nearly a lock for this season, next year there’s no such guarantee.

See the 2023-24 season.

When the Devils needed Allen most, he flourished when Markstrom became injured. In nine starts while the Devil’ No.1 netminder was shelved, he buoyed New Jersey to a 4-5-0 record, registering a 2.33 GAA and .919 SV%, recording two shutouts in that span.

And since Markstrom’s return, he’s been mediocre while trying to find his footing. Allen, however, has since only elevated his play with a 3-0-0 record, 1.33 GAA, and.961 SV%, serving as a key contributor in some crucial wins down the stretch.

In fact, Allen’s play has been so superb this season, that he sits only behind Connor Hellebuyck and Logan Thompson with a registered 20.3 goals saved above expected among goaltenders who have played a minimum 10 games.

For perspective, Markstrom is 30th in the NHL with a 4.4 GSAx.

Although Daws has shown much promise, Allen has earned the right to an extension to continue his role in New Jersey.

According to AFP Analytics, Allen is projected to earn a two-year contract that carries an average annual value of $2,716,975.

Perhaps Allen’s recent play has earned him a bigger pay raise. However, even a $4 million AAV which would keep the Devils’ goaltending budget under $9 million next season with a rising salary cap, ultimately giving them the flexibility to strengthen their biggest weakness in the forward group.

Whether Allen wants to extend in New Jersey remains to be seen. He’s arguably the top pending free agent goaltender heading into the summer. That could entice him to go to market.

However, the Devils should try to keep him around, even if for just another year or two. Allen has proven to be the Devils’ best chance to win of late, a luxury to have behind Markstrom. And recent history tells us goaltenders age gracefully in their mid-30s.

Running back Markstrom and Allen next season makes sense for the Devils, whose window to win is still opening. However, also have aspirations to win now.

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