The New Jersey Devils are preparing for the end of an era. Martin Brodeur has been with the team since 1994, but could be sent packing by the NHL trade deadline. The veteran's season has been a struggle so far as he has spent more time on the bench than on the ice. As the Devils prepare to rebuild the struggling team, Brodeur could be the first out.
TVA reporter Reaud Lavoie reports that Brodeur met with team officials on Wednesday and will likely be asked to waive his no-trade clause so the team can send him elsewhere. So while many assumed the goalie would retire a member of the Devils, New Jersey appears to have other plans for their faithful veteran.
"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."
The 41-year-old has found himself on the bench as backup Cory Schneider has played most of the final 23 games before the Olympic break. New Jersey does not return to the ice until Feb. 27 and if Schneider is named the starter against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Brodeur's future is likely sealed. Head coach Peter DeBoer remained coy on the future of the net for the remainder of the season. He has not been paying attention to the trade rumors and he claims he will simply go off how either player looks in practice like always.
"I haven't thought through that. Not necessarily. We've got two very good goaltenders here. We're going to play it game to game. I'm not hiding anything there. It's the same message I'm giving to the two guys we've got," DeBoer said.
Brodeur has one year remaining on a two-year contract that is worth a $4.5 million salary cap hit. The trade rumors are certainly nothing new. Speculation began to rise after the team traded for Schneider before the NHL Draft. The former Vancouver Canucks star has been patiently waiting for his time as a full-time starter and the Devils are prepared to give it to him.
So where could Brodeur land? The Buffalo Sabres are looking to move goalie Ryan Miller. Would they be willing to take on the veteran? That feels unlikely, but teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and the Washington Capitals could be options since they were both interested in a Miller trade.
