Free Agent Report: Martin Brodeur

As we take in another exciting playoff season, NHL general managers are working behind the scenes on trying to improve their teams headed into the 2014-15 campaign.

Trades will be made, another young crop of players will be drafted, and yet another portion of those moves will come via free agency, which begins July 1.

With that in mind, Nichols On Hockey begins a series of reports on who could be available in this summer's marketplace, while also relaying what sort of actionable intel is on hand.

Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils

Age: 41

Birthday: May 6

Expiring contract: Two years, $9 million. $4.5 million AAV

What we know: You'd be hard-pressed to find a UFA-to-be who has had more to say to the media about his thoughts on free agency than the Devils' legendary goaltender.

Here's the gist of all of his comments over the past few months:

1) It's highly-likely he'll play next season, but he's also not in a rush to make that decision. He doesn't want to say he'll keep playing and then have regrets a few months later.

2) If he makes the call to play in 2014-15, he'll be committed to testing the free agent market.

Thank you guys for all the support. I really appreciate it! Good luck to all teams in the playoffs.

— Martin Brodeur (@MartinBrodeur) April 17, 2025

3) He hasn't ruled out returning to New Jersey, despite how things played out this season.

4) If he does re-sign with the Devils, he knows he'll a) be doing so as a back-up to Cory Schneider, or b) will have a pretty set idea of whatever his role would be from Lou Lamoriello and Pete DeBoer going into the year.

5) Brodeur indicated signing with the Canadiens would be extremely unlikely, because that backup role would be to the 'extreme.'

6) He answered with 'maybe' when asked in late March about signing with the Penguins. 

7) His family will be heavily involved in his decision and his twins have lobbied him to sign with the Wild (they play in Minneapolis) and his other son, who plays for Gatineau, would love to have him with the Senators.

8) Brodeur is not worried about his legacy with the Devils being tarnished by playing another season with someone else, should he choose to go that route.

9) Brodeur still detests Sean Avery.