As the NHL trade deadline approaches at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Martin Brodeur becomes a player to watch. The New Jersey Deivls goalie presumably made his final start for the team on Tuesday night as the team continues to try and trade him. The goalie look all-but gone yesterday to the Minnesota Wild, but the move failed leaving his future in question.
Canada's TSN reports Brodeur has submitted a list of eight to nine teams that he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause for before the deadline. However, the goalie has not yet been asked to do so, leaving him to wonder whether he is truly staying or leaving.
"I don't know," Brodeur, said via ESPN.com. "I had some good conversations with Lou about what I want to do for the rest of the year and maybe next. From there, it's up to him to make the decision that he wants. He knows exactly where I stand. This is a private matter between me and him. It's been a hard couple weeks. It's been a hard half of the last part of the season for me with not playing a lot. We'll see what's gonna happen."
On Tuesday, it looked like Brodeur was headed to the Minnesota Wild. The two teams were discussing a potential deal. The New York Daily News reported that the Devils and Wild had agreed in principal on a trade, but nothing came from it and the goalie still started for New Jersey on Tuesday. The Wild then acquired Illya Bryzgalov from the Oilers, ending any chances that Brodeur heads West.
Brodeur is in the final two seasons of his current contract and he is aware that his age is working against him. Now 41, Brodeur appears to be more fated for the bench as a backup over a reliable starter. The Devils are prepared to move on with Cory Schneider as their franchise goalie, leaving the winningest goalie in the NHL to play backup. Brodeur wants to get traded to a team that will let him play, but understands that might not be an option anymore.
"I'm not getting any younger, but I'm feeling good and I'm enjoying the game," Brodeur said. "I just want to play the game. And so we'll see what's gonna happen with the conversation that I had with Lou and the future of this, but everything is a possibility."
So who could make a fun at the veteran before the deadline approaches? Likely no one, but considering Roberto Luongo managed to weasel his way out of Vancouver, anything is possible. The Daily News reports that the Montreal Canadiens could be his best option after Carey Price was placed on injured reserve.
