New Jersey Devils: Options For A Backup Goaltender

With the shocking news that Corey Crawford has retired, the New Jersey Devils need to start looking fast, internally and externally, for a backup with only one week till the season begins. With it being so close to the season, the free-agent market is virtually gone. There are some options that the Devils could look at.

Marc-Andre Fleury

It looked like Marc-Andre Fleury would be moved a while ago, but whether there were no takers for such a big deal or he did not want to move are unclear. If he is willing to move, Fleury has two years remaining on a deal worth $7 million a season.

The Devils have the room and Vegas currently sits just over the cap, so the price to acquire him should not be very high. Over the last three seasons, Fleury has had declining numbers sporting save percentages of .927, .916, and .905 last season, but this is still better than any other option. His experience would be of great value to the team and Mackenzie Blackwood who would have gained a lot from Crawford.

Having a veteran to split the games with Stanley Cup experience and a winning pedigree could only be a good thing for this team in the short and long term. If they only wanted a mid to late-round pick, this would be something to go for because while the team might not be playoff caliber you have to turn it around some time and have a positive season.