Devils News
Devils Pending UFA Goaltender Changes Tune, Wants to Return | Report
Jake Allen has communicated with the Devils his desire to remain, despite pending free agent status.
According to a report, pending unrestricted free agent goaltender, Jake Allen, wants to stay with the New Jersey Devils.
READ MORE: Changes Coming, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald Not Satisfied
In an interview with NHL.com, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald explained Allen’s representation explained he’d like to return next season.
“We’re trying to figure out where some of the holes are in our group and how do we fill those holes with the funds we have and who’s available via trade or unrestricted free agency,” Fitzgerald told Mike Morreale, NHL.com. “I’d say the back end is probably the safest place where we feel very comfortable. As far as goaltending, Jake Allen is one of the better ones on the market. His camp tells me he would like to stay. He really enjoyed his time here. We’re trying to figure out what that number is, and then does it work for us?”
The soon-to-be 35-year-old goaltender registered a 13-16-1 record with a 2.66 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and four shutouts in 31 games this season as Jacob Markstrom‘s backup.
The change in tune is good news for the Devils. Just about a month ago on break up day, Allen explained whether he would return to New Jersey next season or not was a question he couldn’t answer at the moment.
Heading into the summer, Jake Allen is projected to be the top unrestricted free agent goaltender on the market.
According to AFP Analytics, the veteran netminder is projected to earn a two-year contract around $3.5 million.
Tom Fitzgerald holds just under $12.1 million of cap space to work with this summer, and Allen won’t be the only player he’ll negotiate with.
Luke Hughes is the Devils’ top priority, and Fitzgerald explained to NHL.com that those conversations are already underway.
That’s not to mention several players walking into free agency on July 1st, and the desire to upgrade in the goal scoring department this summer.
The Devils have Nico Daws locked up for next season on a one-way, $850K contract. He’ll be a pending restricted free agent in July 2026.
The Devils boasted one of the best goaltending tandems in the league between Markstrom and Allen. His return would certainly be welcomed at the right price. With just under a month until free agency opens, we’ll see how things shake out.
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