New Jersey Devils goalie Jake Allen is one of the team's top pending free agents for the 2025 NHL off-season. The Devils have expressed interest in keeping him around, and it makes plenty of sense after how well he played this season. However, if the Devils are unable to re-sign him and he signs elsewhere in free agency, they could very well look to bring in an experienced backup to replace him.
Because of this, let's go over three potential goalie targets for the Devils if Allen walks this summer.
Anton Forsberg
Anton Forsberg could make sense as a free-agent target for the Devils if they are unable to bring back Allen. The 32-year-old goaltender has been a solid backup throughout his career and could do the same for New Jersey if signed.
Forsberg had a decent year with the Ottawa Senators in 2024-25, posting a .901 save percentage, a 2.72 goals-against average, and three shutouts in 30 games. He also has had a .900 save percentage or better in four out of his last five seasons, which is certainly good from a backup.
Alex Lyon
Alex Lyon could be a solid option for the Devils to bring in as their backup goalie. In 30 games this season with the Detroit Red Wings, he posted a 14-9-1 record, a 2.81 goals-against average, and a .896 save percentage. This was after he posted a 21-18-5 record, a .904 save percentage, and a 3.05 goals-against average in 44 games in 2023-24 with Detroit.
On an affordable short-term deal, a goalie like Lyon could be a nice addition to the Devils' roster if they can't keep Allen around. The 32-year-old has had success in a 1B/backup role and could do the same in New Jersey if signed.
Dan Vladar
Dan Vladar has spent each of the last four seasons as the Calgary Flames' backup and has had mixed success. In 100 games with the Pacific Division club over that span, he has posted a 47-32-15 record. a 2.97 goals-against average, and a .895 save percentage. This includes a solid 2024-25 campaign, where he had a 12-11-6 record, a 2.80 goals-against average, and a .898 save percentage.
Overall, Vladar is solid in a backup role when playing at his best and could see his numbers improve playing for a better Devils team. Furthermore, when noting that he is just 27 years old, he is right in his prime.
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