‘I’m still proving to myself that I’m capable’: Allen on potential starting role with Devils

One of the more seasoned veterans between the pipes might be stepping into a key role next season.

With Jacob Markstrom being traded to the Florida Panthers, the door swung open for goaltender Jake Allen to be the starting goaltender for the New Jersey Devils. Even at age 35, Allen has proven to be a solid netminder throughout his career, dating back to his time with the St. Louis Blues several years ago. On a retooling team in the Garden State, he might be the calming, experienced presence the team needs to get through this transition period.

On this week’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Allen joined Tyler Yaremchuk and former teammate Carter Hutton to discuss the possibility of him being the starting netminder for the Devils next season.

Jake Allen: It’s an interesting business, and you know that. Getting this opportunity at my age at this point in my career, it’s really exciting. Honestly, it really is. I feel like my game’s in a really good spot. I feel like ever since I came to the Devils, even since the trade from Montreal that last quarter of the year, I feel like I’ve played well with a Devil uniform on, and there’s a sense of comfort, there’s a sense of pride and still prove to myself that I’m capable of doing it at this point in my career. So, I think that’s the biggest thing.

I think Daws is a really good goalie, too. He really is. He was put in some situations early in his career that probably weren’t fair to him a little bit. I think he got off to a start that way. He’s so talented. He’s big, he can move. He’s a good kid and he’s willing to learn. That’s the biggest thing. He’s willing to adapt and willing to learn, and I think I can really help him out with that a lot. So, I’m looking forward to this opportunity, this challenge. Obviously, last year didn’t go the way we wanted. So, looking forward to September even more.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…