- Jake Allen is in line for the Devils’ No. 1 goalie job after Jacob Markstrom’s trade to Florida
- The 35-year-old says he’s still out to prove he can carry the load at this stage of his career
- Read below for Allen’s full comments and where Nico Daws and David Rittich fit in
The Devils’ crease belongs to Jake Allen now.
Jacob Markstrom is gone, shipped to Florida this offseason, and the veteran gets first crack at the starting job in New Jersey. Allen talked about that chance on this week’s Daily Faceoff LIVE, and he sounded like a guy ready to run with it.
Allen was asked about the opportunity to be the Devils’ main option next season.
“It’s an interesting business, and you know that. Getting this opportunity at my age at this point in my career, it’s really exciting. Honestly, it really is,” Allen said. “I feel like my game’s in a really good spot.”
He’s not treating it as a handout. Allen said he still wants to prove he can carry the workload at 35.
“There’s a sense of comfort, there’s a sense of pride and still prove to myself that I’m capable of doing it at this point in my career,” he said.
Catch Allen’s full appearance on Daily Faceoff LIVE:
The veteran landed in New Jersey at last season’s deadline in a deal from Montreal. He settled in fast and gave the Devils steady goaltending down the stretch, finishing with a .904 save percentage.
Markstrom’s exit cleared the top spot. New Jersey sent the 36-year-old to the Panthers in a five-player trade, handing Allen the reins.
This won’t be a solo act. Nico Daws is still around, and the Devils signed David Rittich in free agency, so Allen walks into a three-goalie mix.
He had plenty of good things to say about Daws.
“I think Daws is a really good goalie, too. He really is. He’s willing to adapt and willing to learn, and I think I can really help him out with that a lot,” Allen said.
Watch the full Daily Faceoff Live episode:
Last season didn’t go the way New Jersey wanted. Allen said the disappointment has him looking forward to September even more.
