NHL fans react as Devils lock in Jake Allen on five-year contract despite Oilers interest: "Got the Marchand structure" "Just highway robbery by Fitz"

The New Jersey Devils - eliminated from the 2024-25 playoffs' first round - signed goalie Jake Allen to a five-year, $9 million contract, averaging $1.8 million annually.

Last season, Allen - as a backup behind Jacob Markstrom - posted a 13-16-1 record, 2.66 GAA, and a .906 save percentage in 31 games. Despite interest from teams like the Edmonton Oilers, he chose to stay in New Jersey.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the news on X (formerly Twitter):

"Jake Allen NJ: 5 x $1.8M AAV"

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Soon, fans started reacting to Allen's contract decision.

“LMAO got the Marchand structure,” One fan wrote.

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“This is just highway robbery by Fitz here,” Another said, praising General Manager Tom Fitzgerald.

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"Nice so Fitz logjammed Yegorov, Daws and the other 200 goalies he drafted." another fan said.

Here are some more reactions.

"Edmonton fans getting more emotional by the minute 😆" a fan wrote.

"Congrats to Stuart Skinner on securing another season as a starter" another fan said.

"No one realizes that it’s a great deal for a solid backup. And that’s definitely moveable when they’re young goalie prospects are ready to go." one fan mentioned.

Jake Allen’s new deal gives the Devils a steady backup option for the next few seasons.

Insider's comments on Jake Allen's signing by the Devils

Jesse Granger and Peter Baugh from The Athletic gave their thoughts on Jake Allen’s new contract with the New Jersey Devils. They said the team added more years to lower his yearly cap hit.

"By adding a term to Allen’s contract, the Devils kept his cap hit lower... Jacob Markström will continue to lead New Jersey’s tandem, but Allen will remain his stable backup. ... (with) a combined cap hit of $5.93 million ... (affordable) for a Devils club coming off a playoff berth."

If Allen became a free agent, he might have earned more money per season. Previously, the goaltender was on a two-year, $7.7 million contract. That contract carried a cap hit of $3.85 million, almost double the extension's value.

Allen was drafted as the 34th pick by the St. Louis Blues in 2008. He has 208 wins and helped the Blues win the 2019 Stanley Cup as a backup goalie.

About the author

Ankit is an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 3 years of experience in the writing industry. He has expertise in sports, product, and travel content writing. His interest in ice hockey was piqued after watching Sidney Crosby play and he has been passionately following the game since then. Ankit admires Crosby’s personality and hockey IQ, and when he crossed the 1,500 points tally, Ankit was among the biggest fans to celebrate the occasion.

An Edmonton Oilers fan because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Ankit also admires the Pittsburgh Penguins due to Crosby and the Colorado Avalanche for Nathan MacKinnon. He is also a fan of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language, Ankit believes his education has helped him develop a knack for presenting information in a precise and compelling manner. He only sources information from credible avenues and trusted people from his network for his articles.

When he is not watching or writing about the NHL, Ankit loves listening to music and reading books.

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Edited by William Paul