New Jersey Devils notes: On Allen and the search for forwards

Jake Allen is likely to price his way out of New Jersey. Plus, thoughts on their active search for help up front.

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We’re quickly heading to the heart of the off-season, which means the rumor mill is heating up in a big way.

Let’s dive into the latest and greatest surrounding the New Jersey Devils.

Writing on the wall with Allen

Despite the mutual interest in working something out, I continue to believe Allen and the Devils are heading for a split.

Allen is the perfect backup and the Devils would love to keep him but, in a way, it makes sense for both parties to move on.

The Devils are tight on cap space and have clear needs up front. They could very much use a 3C who can double as a 2C if needed, as well as some more scoring pop.

It’ll be tough to plug those holes if they are spending top dollar on a backup goaltender. That would be necessary if the Devils wish to keep Allen around.

Pierre LeBrun hinted at as much in his latest at The Athletic.

He hasn’t closed the door on returning, and I know the sides are still talking, but New Jersey may not have the cap space to re-sign him, depending on other moves it wants to make up front.

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(Allen) is probably looking to sign for around a $4 million AAV on a two-year deal or $3.5 million AAV on a three-year deal. There are seven or eight teams that have different levels of interest.

Even if Allen is willing to give the Devils some form of discount, it’ll be difficult to re-sign Luke Hughes long-term and – depending on what happens with Cody Glass – find two centers/more scoring while paying Allen anything close to market rate. And, again, the market rate won’t be cheap. Nor should it be.

Devils leaving no stone unturned up front