One of the greatest goaltending careers in NHL history appears as though it’s come to an end.
Martin Brodeur, who’s been on leave from the St. Louis Blues for the last two weeks, will reportedly retire and join the Blues’ front office, per Sportsnet.
(UPDATE: Per TVA, Brodeur will become the assistant GM in St. Louis.)
(UPDATE 2: The Blues issued a statement saying Brodeur “will stay with the organization in a management role in hockey operations.” No further comment or clarification will be made until Thursday’s presser.)
Brodeur, 42, joined the Blues in November after 21 years with the New Jersey Devils. He went 3-3-0 with St. Louis but became the odd-man out after Brian Elliott returned from injury to form a one-two punch with Jake Allen.
A lock for the Hockey Hall of Fame, Brodeur retires as the NHL’s all-time leader in wins (691) and shutouts (125). He also captured four Vezina Trophies as the league’s top goalie, won three Stanley Cups with the Devils and backstopped Canada to gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake.
As for Brodeur’s future, it’s quite interesting that he’s joining the St. Louis front office as opposed to New Jersey’s. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said Brodeur had a standing offer with the organization, but Blues GM Doug Armstrong and head coach Ken Hitchcock have both been highly complimentary of Brodeur ever since he joined the club.
What’s more, agent Pat Brisson said his client had numerous opportunities for front office work once his playing days were over.
“Let’s put it this way: If and when Marty Brodeur decided not to play hockey, I know for a fact he will get many offers by many franchises, including perhaps the league,” Brisson said, per the Post-Dispatch. “There’s a lot rumors and speculation out there, but I know for a fact that if and when he decides, he’s going to have a job in hockey.”
Brodeur will now join a front office that includes a pair of Hall of Famers: Al MacInnis (senior advisor to the GM) and Brett Hull (executive vice president.) Brodeur is scheduled to speak Thursday at a press conference.
Update: Per the Star-Ledger...Lou Lamoriello says Martin Brodeur will be back with Devils but will finish this season in Blues’ front office. http://t.co/7Jrs9Fafzz
— Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) January 27, 2015Lamoriello: “He could’ve come here if he wanted.” http://t.co/7Jrs9Fafzz
— Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) January 27, 2015