A New Era: Devils Begin Camp Sans Martin Brodeur

As the Devils took part in their first full team workout of training camp, they saw 64 players hit the ice – minus the player that had become the face of their franchise for the past 21 years.

Martin Brodeur is still without an NHL contract, despite expressing his desire to play one more season in the league. He has made it clear that he wants a chance at a starting role, a role that no team has yet to offer.

When the Devils acquired Cory Schneider in exchange for their first-round draft pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, it all but signaled the end was near for Brodeur, who’s skills have quickly faded since his near-impeccable run during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The 42-year-old goalie appeared in 39 games for New Jersey a season ago, posting a 19-14-6 record while recording a .907 Save Percentage and a sub-par 2.51 Goals Against Average. His counterpart, Schneider, posted a 16-15-12 record in 45 games, with a .921 Save Percentage and a 1.97 Goals Against Average – the third-best mark in the NHL.

Apr 10, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) deflects a shot in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Devils 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The Devils this summer seemingly made the decision that Marty’s time has come to an end with the team, as they inked Schneider (pictured right) to a seven-year/$42 million contract extension, entrenching him in the starting spot for years to come. They also brought former Devil Scott Clemmensen back into the fold to compete for the back-up goaltender job with Keith Kinkaid and Scott Wedgewood.

Devils’ General Manager Lou Lamoriello has made it public that if the four-time Vezina Trophy winner does decide to hang up the skates for good, he would have a job waiting for him in Newark.

“He knows that,” Lamoriello said in August, according to Star-Ledger reporter Rich Chere. “He knows he’ll be a Devil for the rest of his life. What Marty has done and the type of personality he is, and what his experience is, it’s a no brainer. He’s a Devil.”

But Chere also reported that Lamoriello is unsure of Brodeur’s future intentions. “You always have to find out if former players want to work,” Lamoriello said. “They’re used to playing, that’s the bottom line. I know Marty doesn’t want to coach. I don’t know if Marty wants to work.”