Devils' Jake Allen Explains Why He Waived His No-Move Clause

Jake Allen approved a trade to the New Jersey Devils ahead of the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.

Before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald contacted the Montreal Canadiens about veteran goaltender Jake Allen.

"We inquired on Jake Allen a while back but was told we were on his no-trade," Fitzgerald said on March 8.

After Wednesday's practice, Allen sat at his locker stall and spoke to a small group of reporters about why he did not initially waive his no-trade clause.

"It was interesting how that all unfolds," he said. "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."

The 33-year-old goaltender was looking at on-ice situations and organizations that could give him an opportunity to play.

He referenced the Devils' goaltending last season, noting they had Vitek Vanecek and the way Akira Schmid played in the playoffs: "I never thought there would be a spot here."

Of course, other factors go into putting together a no-trade list, especially for a player with a family.

"You know, the hockey is generally the easy part; it is the life that comes with it," Allen said. "If you're single, (it's) a little bit different. You have less baggage and less responsibility. For me, there are other things to consider. There's a lot of things to it."

"I'm very fortunate they came calling and asked," Allen continued. "It was not a tough decision when I chatted with the wife. It came together pretty quickly."

Allen is under contract through next season and, at this time, is expected to be part of New Jersey's goaltending tandem in the 2024-25 season. The Canadiens are retaining 50 percent of his $3.85 million contract ($1.925).

During his post-trade deadline media availability, Fitzgerald spoke about finally acquiring the veteran goaltender he had been eyeing.

"We're looking at a potential tandem that's right up there in the league if I'm able to land one of these big fishes," Fitzgerald said. "Being able to go out and get a veteran, with a lot of character, great locker room guy, great athlete in Jake Allen, who's excited to be a part of our organization – he has a no-trade clause, and he waived it to come to us because he sees the opportunity and the upside."

"I'm excited that Jersey wants to give me a chance here," Allen said during his first media availability with the Devils. "I'm looking forward to helping this team down the stretch and continuing into next year as well. It feels like a new challenge for me, a new opportunity. Almost eight years in St. Louis and four years in Montreal, and I get a fresh start here with the Devils. I'm excited."

Allen's family includes his wife, Shannon, and their three daughters. The family will be visiting New Jersey. He explained that two of his daughters are in school and have a few months left. He did not want to move them.