Jake Allen initially hesitated to waive his no-move clause to come to the New Jersey Devils.
That was until Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald laid out a plan for the veteran goaltender.
"It was interesting how that all unfolds," Allen said in March 2024. "You sit down with your agent and sort of play things out. It was nothing about the Devils or the city in general. It was situations that I did not know if I could influence my future. I thought (New Jersey) had goalies already signed here long-term. Obviously, things have changed a little bit."
Over the next few months, Allen, the Devils' newest goaltender, heard the same rumors we all did: Fitzgerald wanted Jacob Markstrom to complete his goaltending tandem.
"I heard rumblings and sort of had an idea that (Markstrom) was a target, but until it is done, it is not done," Allen said. "I think that was part of the reason I waived my no-trade last year. I was laid out a plan, and sometimes that plan is hard to follow through, but Fitzgerald did a hell of a job making everything happen."
Despite never playing alongside Markstrom, Allen was familiar with the Swede. Both were selected in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Markstrom was picked 31st overall, and Allen, a few spots later, at 34.
"We have played 15 years pro already together," Allen said. "We have grown up together, playing against each other."
They became the goaltending tandem the organization and fans had sought after all these years. The duo combined for eight shutouts in the 2024-25 regular season, giving their team a chance to win on most nights.
"Just two old guys battling back there for the Devils," Markstrom jokingly said in a TNT interview.
According to Allen, having a partner of the same age was an advantage.
"I think some (young) guys might be a little shy or hesitant," he explained. "There are a lot of things that go into it; you know, maybe he doesn't want to steal your thunder, all that stuff sort of adds up.
"I think (Markstrom and I) are both mature enough and old enough to realize that all that stuff doesn't matter. We are here to try and help the team win and get over the hump," Allen continued.
When all was said and done, Allen and Markstrom reflected on the 87 games where they shared a net.
"I think our partnership worked out really well for the group and both of us individually and collectively," Allen said. "It is different when you are playing with an older guy, too. I think you can really embrace and understand what is going on around you, and thought it just worked out well for the group."
"We are the two old guys," Markstrom said. "Usually, over the last decade, I had a younger guy with me. It has been unbelievable with (Allen). You all know he is a great guy and a great person. He was unbelievable whenever he was called upon, and he is a great locker room guy. I (have) nothing but great things to say about him. He is awesome."
Markstrom has one season remaining on his contract, while Allen will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
During his end-of-season media availability, Fitzgerald complimented his tandem and did not rule out Allen returning for 2025-26.
"We liked our tandem," he said. "We felt it was one of the better tandems in the league. You look at (Allen's) numbers, (they were) very good. His professionalism, the way he interacted with (Markstrom) as the backup, is very important in a tandem. They got along very well. They respect one another and, for sure, (Allen's) agent, and I are going to discuss where his future is."
For those curious, young goaltender Nico Daws is under contract for another season, a one-way deal at $850,000 at the NHL level.
Let us know below if you want to see the tandem of Markstrom and Allen run it back one final time.
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