Star Goalie Reveals He was Almost Traded Early In The Season But He Rejected The Move

The Devils, of course, ultimately acquired Allen at the trade deadline. However, their pursuit of the netminder reportedly goes back to much earlier in the season. Apparently, the two teams came to an agreement that would have sent Allen to New Jersey but the goalie stepped in the way himself.

The veteran netminder was worried about being in another position where he would get limited playing time, something he is well familiar with as the Canadiens were running three goalies prior to his trade.

While the team has not technically given up on making the playoffs this season, their chances are dwindling by the day. This was likely a factor in Tom Fitzgerald's pursuit of Allen as the netminder still has another year left on his contract after this one. The Devils currently sit 6th in the Metro division, six points back of the second wild card spot. According to one public model, the team has just a 7% chance of making the playoffs.

As such, the team will look to bounce back next season under a new head coach and with a new goalie tandem. If those changes can't fix the team, who knows what will?

As seen on Goalie Jake Allen admits to Devils he rejected their first trade offer