Does Brodeur Deserve St Louis Chance?
Today it was finally announced that the long standing issue of Martin Brodeur returning to the NHL has been resolved as he has signed a 1 year deal with the St Louis Blues after a successful tryout. After regular starter Brian Elliott was sidelined through injury, Brodeur has been signed to provide cover during this crisis. But after a less than successful final year at his old side New Jersey, does the most winning goaltender in NHL history still deserve a shot?
On a sentimental level, I think it is great to see Marty still wanting to prove his worth at the top level rather than being forced into retirement. But sadly we have to look at the facts for this whole deal, firstly at 42 years old he is no spring chicken! Also his age caught up with him in dramatic fashion during a lackluster 2013-14 season as he recorded only 19 wins from 39 games with a GAA of 2.51- his worst since 2006! The season prior he had guide the Devils to an unexpected Stanley Cup Final appearance! But in 2013, his only highlight was being chosen for the NHL 14 cover.
When it was announced that Brodeur was to try his luck in free agency after 21 glorious seasons keeping net for the Devils, teams didn't exactly rush into claiming his signature! Signing an ageing goalie wasn't high on any teams list of priorities and though speculation was ripe, it has taken until the beginning of December to finally get another shot. St Louis even demanded he tryout first to prove his worth! Normally a goalie with the stats of this man wouldn't need this type of treatment. But it is clear to see that St Louis are covering their backs in the event of anything going wrong!
I have no doubts that Marty will play his hardest until his contract ends and it would make for a real fairytale ending if he was to aid the Blues playoff chances. But there is also the notion of them signing him to line the bench. At 42 years old he is past his prime by a long way, he has experience yes, but that is not what St Louis requires presently. It does also beg the question of the Blues didn't call on any number of young AHL goalies they would have waiting in the wings? His reflexes are not what they used to be and for a playoff pushing team like St Louis, that has to be a cause for concern.
Don't get me wrong, I have massive respect for Martin Brodeur and I think a goaltender of his kind deserves the utmost respect for the career he has. But I also wish he had chosen to retire with dignity previously rather than hanging around waiting for someone to pick him, like the skinny kid picked last for Football during PE at school! All the best Marty, but I have my doubts about this deal.
On a sentimental level, I think it is great to see Marty still wanting to prove his worth at the top level rather than being forced into retirement. But sadly we have to look at the facts for this whole deal, firstly at 42 years old he is no spring chicken! Also his age caught up with him in dramatic fashion during a lackluster 2013-14 season as he recorded only 19 wins from 39 games with a GAA of 2.51- his worst since 2006! The season prior he had guide the Devils to an unexpected Stanley Cup Final appearance! But in 2013, his only highlight was being chosen for the NHL 14 cover.
When it was announced that Brodeur was to try his luck in free agency after 21 glorious seasons keeping net for the Devils, teams didn't exactly rush into claiming his signature! Signing an ageing goalie wasn't high on any teams list of priorities and though speculation was ripe, it has taken until the beginning of December to finally get another shot. St Louis even demanded he tryout first to prove his worth! Normally a goalie with the stats of this man wouldn't need this type of treatment. But it is clear to see that St Louis are covering their backs in the event of anything going wrong!
I have no doubts that Marty will play his hardest until his contract ends and it would make for a real fairytale ending if he was to aid the Blues playoff chances. But there is also the notion of them signing him to line the bench. At 42 years old he is past his prime by a long way, he has experience yes, but that is not what St Louis requires presently. It does also beg the question of the Blues didn't call on any number of young AHL goalies they would have waiting in the wings? His reflexes are not what they used to be and for a playoff pushing team like St Louis, that has to be a cause for concern.
Don't get me wrong, I have massive respect for Martin Brodeur and I think a goaltender of his kind deserves the utmost respect for the career he has. But I also wish he had chosen to retire with dignity previously rather than hanging around waiting for someone to pick him, like the skinny kid picked last for Football during PE at school! All the best Marty, but I have my doubts about this deal.
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