Jake Allen has yet to re-sign with the New Jersey Devils as July 1 rapidly approaches. While the Devils still have some time to work something out with their backup goaltender, the clock is ticking.
Allen is in a very good position right now when it comes to negotiations, however. When looking at this year's pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) goalies, he is clearly the best of the bunch. Thus, the 34-year-old certainly could see what offers are out there on the market at the start of next month.
According to Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco, Allen is believed to be seeking at least a two-year contract with an average annual value in the $5 million range.
With Allen being the Devils' backup, this is certainly a high asking price if true. Yet, he is also in a prime position to look for more money right now.
It would be nice if the Devils could find a way to re-sign Allen, as worked wonderfully as Jacob Markstrom's backup this season. In 31 games on the campaign, he had a 2.66 goals-against average and .908 save percentage.
Yet, if Allen is looking for roughly $5 million per season, that may simply be too rich for the Devils at this stage. They have other needs to address this off-season, and that would be an expensive cap hit for a backup. Nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see if the Devils can get Allen to re-sign at a more reasonable price before July 1 from here.
Insider Questions If Devils Could Target Flames Goalie
Depending on what happens with pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) Jake Allen, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> may need to look for a new backup goalie this off-season. Allen has still not re-signed with the Devils with July 1 rapidly approaching.
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