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Martin Brodeur isn’t “100 percent sure” about playing next season

hedbergbrodeurap

James

One of the great subplots of the New Jersey Devils’ ascent back into playoff relevance is that Martin Brodeur has gotten his game back together - at least a bit.

To be honest, the Devils are probably guilty of sentimentality when it comes to their starting goalie choices. Johan Hedberg’s numbers are better across the board - far better record, superior save percentage and more shutouts in far fewer starts - but his last name isn’t “Brodeur.”

Yet as much as it seems like New Jersey’s decision making is based off of nostalgia, it’s hard for some to accept the idea that this might be Brodeur’s last season - either with the Devils or in the NHL. The future Hall of Famer is included in that group, as you can see in this Associated Press story.

“We’ll see if they’re going to take me back,” Brodeur said. ""I’m having fun. It’s been a great year so far. But I’m not 100 percent sure what I want do to yet.”

The “if they’re going to take me back” part is the key. Brodeur’s contract expires after this season, and with Zach Parise as the obvious priority to re-sign, it’s hard to fathom the legend getting anywhere near the money he’s being paid right now. With that and his declining stature in mind, the question was posed: would Brodeur play for a different team to keep it going?

Brodeur watched the Manning saga play out from afar and hoped he would never have to consider wearing another team’s sweater. How would Brodeur look in turquoise blue shoulders and black trim?

“It’s a little tricky,” Brodeur said. “The passion for the game is there. But sometimes, organizations are going to go a different way. It happened to the best quarterback in history. It could happen to anybody. It’s a possibility, but it’s unlikely, for me to really have a feeling about thinking about going somewhere else if this team still wants me around.”

Parise’s decision is the most pivotal for the Devils franchise this off-season, but one could argue that Brodeur’s future is just as fascinating - and maybe even more up in the air.