This is a very exciting time to be a fan of the New Jersey Devils. Only two games into the new season, this Devils team has already raised expectations with their sweep of the Buffalo Sabres at the 2024 Global Series. Now, they await their loyal fans to pack The Rock after a stop at Burke’s Tavern in the Ironbound for a much-anticipated home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night.
A new head coach and the multitude of new acquisitions in all areas of the ice bring a fresh new attitude to a team in desperate need of it. However, excitement is so palpable around this Devils team mainly because of their new and improved goaltending room. Jacob Markstrom and the returning Jake Allen will help drive New Jersey back on the road to contention along with an elite forward group and the multitude of premier defensemen employed by this club. With that said, a glaring issue does exist. In reality, it’s not an issue as it is a predicament and will have to be addressed at some point. The Devils do not have a long-term solution in net.
It’s true this Devils team is built to win now and in the future. Their players are either in their prime or just about set to hit their prime level of play. They also possess a boatload of talented prospects with the very real potential to make an impact in the coming years. This is all well and true; however, there is an elephant standing in the corner at Prudential Center.
Jacob Markstrom will be here for two seasons starting this year, and Jake Allen is in a contract year. These players are stopgaps. They are sealing the leak that has damaged this team for far too long. But, they are only a temporary solution to the problem. Until a contract is offered and signed, both Markstrom and Allen will temporarily be plugging a massive roster hole for the New Jersey Devils.
These goalies are strong and the reason why expectations are so high. The insertion of both Markstrom and Allen has made such a terrific impact that many hockey writers and analysts have the Devils not only making the playoffs, not only winning the division but winning their conference and directly competing for a Stanley Cup! This is one year removed from missing the playoffs by ten points.
This is proof enough that goaltending’s impact on a team is very strong, even for a team as talented as New Jersey. Without goaltending, the Devils would be susceptible to the same problems that have plagued them in years past. So, when looking at the goalie contract situation as it is, with no long-term contract in place, it’s very easy to be disconcerted about the future in net, especially if Nico Daws is incapable of assuming the role. There are many unknowns in this situation, and for that reason, it shouldn’t be considered an issue, at least not yet.
This organization has been crippled with poor goaltending for a decade now with no consistent solution. Hopefully, that ends this season. Barring any unwelcome health issues, both Markstrom and Allen will be great for this team. But, down the line, who’s going to be the guy? The point is we do not know. There is no answer to the long-term goalie situation. With that said, the Devils have found an answer for the present, and that’s what matters most.