Jake Allen of the Devils Describes Why He Ignored His No-Move Rule

Before the 2024 NHL move Deadline, Jake Allen gave his approval to a move to the New Jersey Devils.

General manager of the New Jersey Devils Tom Fitzgerald reached out to the Montreal Canadiens regarding veteran goaltender Jake Allen prior to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.

Fitzgerald stated on March 8 that “we inquired about Jake Allen a while back but was told we were on his no-trade.”

Following practice on Wednesday, Allen addressed a small group of media while seated at his locker stall, explaining why he had first refused to waive his no-trade provision.

“It was interesting how that all unfolds,” he stated. “You and your agent sit down and work things out. Nothing to do with the Devils or the city at large. I wasn’t sure if I could have an impact on those circumstances for my future. I believed that goalies from (New Jersey) were already long-term contracts here. Undoubtedly, a few things have changed.”

The 33-year-old goalie was considering organizations and on-ice scenarios that would allow him to play.

With reference to the Devils’ goaltending from the previous campaign—which featured Vitek Vanecek—as well as Akira Schmid’s performance in the postseason, he said, “I never thought there would be a spot here.”

Naturally, there are other considerations when creating a no-trade list, particularly for a player who has a family.

“You know, the hockey is generally the easy part; it is the life that comes with it,” Allen stated. “It is a little bit different if you are single. You carry less burdens and responsibilities. There are additional considerations for me. There are numerous aspects to it.

Allen went on, “I’m really lucky that they called and asked.” “After talking with the wife, it wasn’t a difficult choice. It assembled itself really rapidly.”

Allen’s contract is set to expire after the 2024–25 season, and it is currently anticipated that he will be a member of New Jersey’s goalie tandem. Of his $3.85 million contract, the Canadiens will keep half of it ($1.925).

Fitzgerald talked about getting the veteran goaltender he had been pursuing at his post-trade deadline media conference.

“We’re looking at a potential tandem that’s right up there in the league if I’m able to land one of these big fishes,” Fitzgerald stated. “Being able to go out and get a veteran, with a lot of character, great locker room guy, great athlete in Jake Allen, who’s excited to be a part of our organization – he has a no-trade clause, and he waived it to come to us because he sees the opportunity and the upside.”

“I’m thrilled that Jersey wants to offer me this opportunity,” Allen stated at his first Devils media appearance. “I’m excited to support this team in their endeavors.”the distance and carrying on into the upcoming year. For me, it feels like a fresh opportunity and challenge. I have a new beginning with the Devils after spending four years in Montreal and nearly eight years in St. Louis. I’m thrilled.

Shannon, Allen’s spouse, and their three daughters make up the family. The family is going to be in New Jersey. He clarified that he had a few months left and that both of his girls were enrolled in school. He had no desire to shift them.