Jake Allen, the veteran goaltender, has inked a surprising five-year contract extension with the New Jersey Devils. The deal, announced on July 1, 2025, carries an average annual value (AAV) of just $1.8 million. This move secures Allen's place in New Jersey through the 2029-30 season.

Allen's journey to New Jersey began with a trade from the Montreal Canadiens at the 2024 trade deadline. The Devils sent a conditional third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to Montreal in exchange for Allen's services. The conditions of the pick stipulated that it could become a second-rounder if Allen played 40 or more games and the Devils reached the playoffs; however, this condition was not met.

Prior to arriving in New Jersey, Allen had a two-year, $7.7 million contract with a $3.85 million AAV. The Canadiens retained 50% of his salary in the trade to New Jersey. His new contract represents a significant pay cut for the veteran netminder, who will be 35 years old when the upcoming season begins.

In the 2024-25 season, Allen served primarily as the backup to Jacob Markstrom. However, he stepped into the starter's role when Markstrom was injured, putting up a 12-16-1 record with a 2.66 goals-against average (GAA), a .906 save percentage (SV%), and four shutouts in 31 games. Allen's performance marked a return to form, as he hadn't recorded a GAA below 3.00 since the 2020-21 season. One notable achievement during the season was a 20-save shutout against the Utah Hockey Club, making Allen the first goalie in NHL history to record a win against 33 different league franchises. On November 23, Allen also recorded his 200th career NHL win in a 3–2 victory over the Washington Capitals.

Throughout his 12-year NHL career, Allen has amassed a 208-184-43 record, a 2.76 GAA, a .908 SV%, and 28 shutouts in 460 games played. He also boasts an 11-12 record with a 2.06 GAA and a .924 SV% in 28 career playoff games. Allen's career highlights include winning the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.

The decision to re-sign Allen at a lower AAV provides the Devils with stability and experience in their goaltending tandem. With Markstrom having one year remaining on his contract, the Devils have their goaltending situation secured for at least the upcoming season. This move also gives the Devils financial flexibility, as they are projected to have over $12.5 million in cap space. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has solidified the team's goaltending, allowing the team to focus on other areas to improve the roster.