Explore New Jersey Devils: Should the Devils Re-Sign Jake Allen This Offseason?
As the New Jersey Devils begin shaping their roster for the 2025-2026 NHL season, one of the biggest questions looming is whether or not to re-sign veteran goaltender Jake Allen. With unrestricted free agency fast approaching, the Devils are faced with a classic offseason conundrum: do they bet on the veteran they know or explore the uncertainties of the free agent goalie market?
Jake Allen, who has served as the backup to Jacob Markstrom this past season, may not have been the primary netminder, but his impact on the team shouldn’t be underestimated. While his numbers may not jump off the page at first glance, Allen’s value goes deeper than just statistics. He brought stability during a volatile time, helped ease the pressure off a struggling goaltending corps, and gave the Devils confidence when called upon.
Let’s dive into Allen’s time in New Jersey, assess his role, and look at whether bringing him back makes sense for the Devils’ future — both competitively and financially.
Jake Allen: A Veteran with a Proven Track Record
Jake Allen is no stranger to the NHL or the intense scrutiny that comes with the goaltending position. Since entering the league in 2012-13 with the St. Louis Blues, Allen has built a reputation as a steady, reliable goaltender. His path took him through Montreal before eventually landing in New Jersey in 2023-24, following a mid-season trade to bolster a struggling Devils net.
Despite being part of a three-goalie rotation in Montreal, Allen remained a true professional and embraced his role in New Jersey with determination. In his first partial season with the Devils, Allen posted a 6-6-1 record with a .900 save percentage and a 3.11 goals-against average. While these numbers weren’t elite, they came during a rough stretch for the entire team — making his performance more respectable than it may initially appear.
A Stronger Season in 2024-25
With Markstrom taking the reins as starter in 2024-25, Allen transitioned into a true backup role. However, when Markstrom was sidelined with injury, Allen stepped up and held the crease. His final season stats included a .908 save percentage, 2.66 GAA, and an impressive 18.4 goals saved above expected — a number that suggests he actually outperformed his workload.
Allen’s season trajectory was the reverse of Markstrom’s — while the latter started strong and faded, Allen started shaky but found his form when the team needed it most. His late-season resurgence helped the Devils maintain playoff positioning and provided a safety net when things got rocky.
What Comes Next? Weighing Value vs. Risk
At 34 years old, Allen isn’t the long-term future of the Devils’ goaltending, but he could be a critical short-term piece. Goalies are unpredictable by nature, and Allen could either maintain his solid form or decline quickly — a risk every team faces with veteran netminders.
Still, letting Allen walk without a clear backup plan could be a gamble. The Devils don’t seem entirely confident in their current prospect pool stepping into a full-time NHL backup role just yet. Nico Daws has shown flashes but hasn’t fully locked in, and other young goalies are still developing.
From a value standpoint, a recent comparable comes in the form of Carolina’s Frederik Andersen, who re-signed for one year at $2.75 million. Allen, based on his age and numbers, likely falls into a similar range — though projections suggest he could command closer to $3.5 million per year on a two-year deal. That figure might be too high for the Devils, given their need to manage cap flexibility while building around core players.
Our Take: Bring Allen Back – But Be Smart About It
From a roster-building perspective, Allen is worth keeping — as long as the price and term are right. A one-year deal in the $2.75–$3 million range would give the Devils continuity in net, veteran experience, and insurance in case of injury or inconsistency from Markstrom. If Allen wants a multi-year deal or a significant pay raise, New Jersey may need to explore more cost-effective options or consider promoting from within.
In a league where goaltending depth is never guaranteed and the market is thin, retaining Allen could be one of the more strategic moves the Devils make this offseason.
For fans, it’s not just about the stats — it’s about trust. Jake Allen has earned that trust with his professionalism, poise, and ability to step up when needed. He’s not the long-term answer, but he’s a dependable presence in a position that thrives on stability.
Final Thoughts
The New Jersey Devils are entering an important transition period. With a talented young core and playoff aspirations, every move this offseason matters — especially in goal. Re-signing Jake Allen, if done at the right value, gives the team a steady backup, mentor for younger goalies, and a reliable safety valve should things go off course again.
In a high-risk, high-reward position like goaltending, Jake Allen offers low risk with steady reward — a formula that could serve the Devils well.
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