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New Jersey Devils: 3 Free Agent Goalies To Consider Part Two

By Vincent Parise

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - JULY 17: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals looks on during practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on July 17, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia. The team continues to prepare for a return to play since NHL paused its season due to the coronavirus pandemic in March. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - JULY 17: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals looks on during practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on July 17, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia. The team continues to prepare for a return to play since NHL paused its season due to the coronavirus pandemic in March. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils Mackenzie Blackwood
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

. G. Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby. 70. player. 19

It would be very weird to see Braden Holtby play for any team in the National Hockey League not called the Washington Capitals. He is one of the best goalies in the history of their franchise and brought them their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. He was the backbone of so many great teams loaded with so many great stars. He has struggled in the two years since winning the Cup and that is likely going to lead to him leaving them in free agency.

If the Devils could get him on a short-term deal, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. A lot of people would be really mad if the Devils did that but there would obviously be some positives to it. He is extremely experienced in a lot of different NHL scenarios. He has won the Stanley Cup because he was so good but he has also won the Vezina Trophy, which shows how good he once was in the regular season too.

All of that experience might go a long way in the development of Mackenzie Blackwood. Holtby has done it all and likely has some knowledge to pass onto younger guys trying to take that next step. He would probably be brought in as more of a platoon option than a legit backup. As much as he has struggled lately, he would be an upgrade over the Devils’ second goalies of the past few years.

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