Four potential landing spots for Jake Allen

An abundance of teams will be interested in the veteran netminder should he test the open market. Which ones stand out?

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Jake Allen is the best goaltender slated to hit the open market in three weeks. It’s not even close.

Allen will be in high demand and have the ability to choose from a bevy of teams based on whichever factors he deems most important, be it comfort, money, caliber of team, or climate.

Let’s take a look at four potential landing spots that stand out from the rest.

New Jersey Devils

Jake Allen is a great fit with the Devils and has made it no secret he’s enjoyed his time with the team. The feeling is mutual.

Allen played his role marvelously this past season. He was an excellent backup who took the ball and ran with it whenever the opportunity presented itself.

He ranked 3rd in the NHL in Goals Saved Above Expected per start and gave the Devils a chance to hang around nightly. That was easier said than done when the offense dried up for what felt like the entire 2nd half of the season.

The Devils won’t be able to offer Allen the most playing time, nor the most money. What they can offer is a stable and comfortable environment for a player who knows he can excel in it. Sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side.

I am skeptical that comfort and a good team will be enough to sell Allen on staying.

The supply doesn’t match the demand in this year’s goaltending market, which positions Allen well to get an offer he can’t refuse.

Edmonton Oilers