Why Martin Brodeur Should Be Traded

New Jersey Devils President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello is in denial about the state of his own team. Sure, he knows they have a league-worst record at 10-28-2 (good for 22 points, next lowest team is the Islanders with 30 points). But firing a rookie head coach, trading away your captain (Jamie Langebrunner to the Stars this past week), and having a huge signing blow up in your face usually means you're rebuilding. Lamoriello sees it another way:

"I despise the word 'rebuilding,"' Lamoriello said in a conference call. "We have to look at the reasons why we're in this position. Maybe it's talent. Maybe it's chemistry. We have to be very careful and look at the big picture."

Before I go any further, lets point out that the Devils haven't missed the playoffs since the 1995-96 season (a year after winning their first Stanley Cup); have won two Stanley Cups since then, an additional conference championship, and nine Atlantic Division championships. That is quite the run. But all good things must come to an end, and a rebuilding phase for this franchise has finally come. 


Martin Brodeur is arguably the best goalie to ever play the game. He's spent 19 seasons with the Devils, won three Stanley Cups, two gold medals, four Vezina trophies, five Jennings trophies, the Calder, ten All-Star Game appearances, and has only missed the playoffs once since becoming the Devils cornerstone. He owns the league records for wins, shutouts, appearances, and numerous franchise records. While age has caught up with Brodeur and he's not the goalie he once was, on a good team he would still be able to backstop a deep playoff run. New Jersey won't be making the playoffs this season. He has no value to this team for this season and won't over the next few seasons. When asked in a conference call if there were any thoughts of trading the franchise goalie, Lamoriello answered with "No" and then moved on

To teams like the Washington Capitals, Ottawa Senators, or San Jose Sharks, he could be priceless.

The worst option for Brodeur would be Ottawa. While their goalie situation of Pascal Leclaire-Brian Elliott, an upgrade is needed. They are currently in 12th place in the Eastern Conference and 9 points out of 8th, but there is still half the season remaining and he would make them a playoff contender. It would be ironic to see Brodeur go here considering the playoff battles the Devils and Sens have had over the years.

A better destination would be San Jose. The Sharks have been one of the league's top teams over the past five seasons but could never get over the hump. While netminder Evgeni Nabokov wasn't bad, he was never capable of taking the team to the next level. Brodeur would certainly be a better option that Antero Niittymaki or Antti Niemi and the Sharks lack a veteran with championship experience. Marty comes with loads of that. San Jose is in 6th place in the West and six points out of the Pacific Division lead. 

The best option would be the Washington Capitals. They are the closest to winning the Stanley Cup of the three teams mentioned.  The Caps are in 5th place in the East with 52 points and are a single point out of the Southeast lead. The young goalie duo of Semyon Varlamov (pictured above) and Michal Neuvirth have both had their moments this season (Varlamov has come on as of late. Brodeur knows the teams in the East, and the Capitals would get the benefit of being Cup-capable this season and for the long run with one of their younger options.

What about from the Devils perspective? While Marty's stats aren't great this season (5-18-1, 3.15 GAA, .882 save percentage), he has still posted three shutouts and hasn't had the top quality of defensemen in front of him this season (New Jersey has been banged up on the blueline). Lamoriello would fetch quite the ransom in return to get the Devils back on track quicker. I recognize that Brodeur is the franchise's best player ever and they will probably never have a player again that is as great and as popular as he is, but keeping him around isn't helping either side. If Ray Bourque can leave Boston to win a Stanley Cup, why can't Brodeur go somewhere else to help a  franchise win it all?

I know it's tough to trade someone that's been the heart and soul of this franchise for almost two decades, but sometimes decisions need to be made with your head, not your heart. Lou Lamoriello has never been a man to make decisions with his heart, now is not the time to start.