It has been assumed that Marin Brodeur has played his final for the New Jersey Devils. The team is struggling offensively and with Cory Schneider playing well, the team could be looking to move on from the long-time veteran. While trade rumors continue to circulate, Brodeur tells reporters that no one has approached him about waiving his no-trade clause for a potential deal.
NHL.com is reporting the Devils might not be so set on trading Brodeur as everyone believes they are. Right now, the team is averaging 2.29 goals per game, ranking them 27th in the league. They switched to Schneider being more of a permanent starter, keeping the veteran as a backup. Trading Brodeur would lose insurance behind Schneider and leave the team without another quality goal tender. Brodeur has heard every rumor with his name in it, but says that right now there is no change to his status.
"I don't know. I haven't thought about it until I talk to people, and there is nothing planned yet. I'm probably going to wait," Brodeur said, via NJ.com. "I have no indication one way or the other that anything is going to happen. I haven't discussed it with anybody really about what my plans are going to be for the next 23 games. I haven't talked to the coach about playing time, either. I'm just going to get back into playing shape for the next seven days and we'll see if I'm able to get the net."
Head coach Peter DeBoer has acknowledged that Schneider will remain the starter for the near future, but noted that Brodeur could see a few come his way as early as the weekend. He gave no indication of a possible trade, saying both goalies would play down the final stretch of games.
Brodeur would certainly love to start. He noted that it has been difficult to adjust to a backup role with the team, finding it hard to get into a rhythm while only playing every few days.
"Backup goalies who are used to playing every 15 or 14 days, 10 or eight days between starts, are used to it," Brodeur said. "With me, it's definitely hard to get in the rhythm. When you don't play in eight days and then have to play in 15-degree weather outside, it makes it a little harder."
DeBoer said the team will continue to stick with the hot hand for right now. He praised Schneide's recent work in the goal, but stressed that the team has not lost any faith in Brodeur being a potential starter.
"This has nothing to do with history. It's what Brodeur has done for us and for me over the two-and-a-half years I've been here. I'm very aware of how good he's capable of playing and what he's able to do, so they're tough decisions."