The NHL free agency period has closed, with teams assessing their acquisitions. Among the standout signings is New Jersey Devils goalie Jake Allen, who inked a five-year deal for a cap hit of just $1.8 million. Allen, 35, had an impressive .908 save percentage last season, ranking highly in goals saved above expected. In a market where many goalies commanded larger contracts, Allen’s return at a bargain price is viewed as a significant win for the Devils.

This move is particularly crucial for New Jersey given the overall weak goalie market during free agency. For comparison, Kevin Lankinen's re-signing with the Canucks came at a $4.5 million AAV, showcasing Allen's value. As New Jersey looks to solidify its goaltending situation, Allen's ability to be a reliable 1B option could prove pivotal.

The NHL goaltender market has thinned significantly, with few options available for teams in need. Only a handful of unrestricted free agents were left, leading to notable moves such as Detroit acquiring John Gibson from Anaheim. The New Jersey Devils retained Jake Allen for five years at $9 million, while other teams like Philadelphia brought in Dan Vladar and the Islanders signed David Rittich for depth behind Ilya Sorokin.

Edmonton, despite being a two-time Western Conference champion, could be forced to stick with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, who struggled in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks boast a solid goaltending tandem with Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen, which they believe could be the best in the league. Carolina added Amir Miftakhov for depth, while other teams like Buffalo and Seattle made strategic signings to bolster their goaltending situations.

With the NHL goalie market tightening, recent moves reflect the urgency for teams needing netminders. The Detroit Red Wings acquired John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks, significantly impacting the landscape. Jake Allen remains with the New Jersey Devils, while Thatcher Demko continues his tenure in Vancouver. Key signings include Dan Vladar joining the Philadelphia Flyers and David Rittich heading to the New York Islanders as insurance for Ilya Sorokin. Edmonton Oilers face challenges, potentially sticking with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard after an underwhelming playoff performance.

Vancouver's Demko, now a franchise cornerstone, boasts a solid backup in Kevin Lankinen. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes have brought in Amir Miftakhov, a cost-effective option after his KHL success. The market dynamics raise questions for teams lacking depth as they navigate the upcoming season's challenges.

Jake Allen has secured a five-year contract with the New Jersey Devils, effectively taking him off the free agency market. The deal is valued at an average annual value of $1.8 million, which allows the Devils to maintain their current goaltending duo for the upcoming season. Allen, who has had a storied career with teams like the St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens, brings considerable experience, having started in 436 games during his 12-year NHL tenure.

In the previous season, Allen played 29 games with a record of 13-16-1, alongside a .906 save percentage, a 2.66 goals-against average, and four shutouts. The Devils will also retain Jacob Markstrom, who has one year left on a $4.125 million contract, while Nico Daws is also under contract, becoming a restricted free agent next summer.

The NHL offseason has already showcased significant excitement following the Florida Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. With the 2025 NHL Draft concluding and 224 prospects finding new homes, teams are rapidly reshaping their rosters. The draft weekend saw notable trades, including Noah Dobson, Charlie Coyle, and John Gibson, while Mitch Marner's recent eight-year extension with the Maple Leafs ended with a trade to the Golden Knights. Free agency opened with a frenzy of signings, highlighted by Jake Allen returning to the Devils on a five-year deal, and several big names like Jack Eichel and Kirill Kaprizov eligible for major extensions.

Veteran players such as Tony DeAngelo and Patrick Kane also secured contracts with their respective teams, while the Oilers made sure to retain promising young defenseman Evan Bouchard. The free agency tracker reveals a dynamic landscape, pulling top-rated talents into various team strategies as they aim to build towards championship aspirations for the coming season.