Goalie Jake Allen made headlines when he was traded from the Montreal Canadiens to the New Jersey Devils on Trade Deadline Day. However, it's now revealed that earlier in the season, he had turned down a trade to the Devils and refused to waive his no-trade clause.
Jake Allen Nixed A Trade To The Devils
In a recent interview after practice with his new team, Allen explained his initial refusal, citing concerns about his playing time with existing goalies Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid in New Jersey. However, with Vanecek potentially sidelined due to injury, Allen saw a new opportunity and agreed to waive his clause to join the Devils.
Jake Allen after practice said Devils tried to trade for him earlier in the year. He didn't waive NTC bc at the time w/Vanecek/Schmid he didn't see a future/ playing time in NJ.
IMO: Allen would have played & Schmid would have gone down. #njdevils @FullPressNHL
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald praised Allen's decision, emphasizing his character and the value he brings to the team. Despite initial hesitation, Allen is now focused on making a positive impact for the Devils both this season and in the future.
«Being able to go out and get a veteran, with a lot of character, great locker room guy, great athlete in Jake Allen, who's excited to be a part of our organization – he has a no-trade clause, and he waived it to come to us because he sees the opportunity and the upside,» general Manager Tom Fitzgerald said during his post-trade deadline press conference.
With this fresh start, Allen wanted to be transparent with his new team and their fans about his earlier decision, signaling a positive mindset for his future with the Devils.
