Could Martin Brodeur leave New Jersey? @ The Fan Hub

June 29th, 2012 10:33 AM

New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur at a press conference after game four of the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Having spent his entire 19-year career with the New Jersey Devils, it’s damn near impossible to imagine Martin Brodeur wearing any other uniform. But that possibility is now squarely on the table after the 40-year-old netminder, who is due to hit unrestricted free agency on Sunday and hasn’t even fully committed to playing next season, hired agent Pat Brisson.

Brodeur has typically represented himself in contract negotiations with the Devils, including for his most recent expiring contract, which paid him $5.2 million over the each of the past six seasons. According to the Star-Ledger, Brodeur would only hire outside representation if it came to the point where he had to start negotiating with other teams, which he is apparently ready to do after having only “limited discussion” with the Devils in the weeks leading up to the start of the UFA period on July 1.

Of course the smart bet is that Brodeur and the Devils will work something out sooner or later, and not just for sentimental reasons. The team doesn’t have anyone else in place who they’d feel comfortable handing the full-time starting job to, and despite his hookup to the Wayback Machine during the Devils’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals, there isn’t likely to be much of a market for a 40-year-old goaltender who was shaky throughout much of the regular season and is seeking a multi-year deal.

The Devils are likely simply trying to focus on retaining captain Zach Parise, assuming that Brodeur will still be there when they’re ready to negotiate. This hiring of Brisson is likely just an attempt by Brodeur to give them a friendly reminder that he does have other options and is not to be taken for granted.

— Craig Lowell

After Martin Brodeur finished one of the greatest postseason runs of his legendary NHL career, it was back to business. The goalie is an unrestricted free agent this summer, having made $5.2 million against the cap for the last six seasons. He turned 40 in May; this contract could be his last in the NHL.

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