The General Manager Corner: Free Agent Goalies

Apr 13, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30) warms up prior to their final game of the 2013-2014 NHL season at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Martin Brodeur

After Miller and Hiller, there isn’t much starting quality goaltending left and you could have sold me on a number of guys at this third position.  For now though I’ll give the nod to the game’s winningest goaltender.  Brodeur said he wants to play one more season and knows it won’t be with his New Jersey Devils.

Despite what he may think, Brodeur is only a backup now and should have been this past season too (you can make the argument that the Devils catered to Brodeur to the detriment of the team’s playoff hopes).  While Brodeur would no doubt prefer to go to the Western Conference so he wouldn’t have to be regularly matched up against his former team, he may not have a choice if he wants to find employment this season.

Brodeur has had a marverlous career and arguably the greatest to ever strap on the pads.  While it’s understandable that a former great athlete would have an ego to want to hang on one more year, it will be a little weird and a little sad to see him don something other than the New Jersey sweater.  But short of a change of heart, that looks like it’ll be the case.

The General Manager Prediction: there just isn’t a lot of options here for Brodeur.  He wants to play and wants to win, but most of those teams are set in net.  While he’d prefer the Western Conference, my gut tells me that he’ll get some serious interest and ultimately sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins for one-year, $2 million.  It’ll give Brodeur a chance to win one more title and match Patrick Roy while also giving him a legitimate shot at playing time when Marc-Andre Fleury implodes.

Darkhorse team: Montreal Canadiens