Insider
Craig Custance, ESPN Senior Writer 9y

Brodeur pondering his NHL options

TORONTO -- Watching Martin Brodeur walk down the red carpet to witness the 2014 class get inducted into hockey’s Hall of Fame, it’s not hard to imagine him being honored in the same way in the next few years. He smiled when he was asked if he was taking notes for his speech down the road.

“I’ll take notes when I get the call, if I get the call,” Brodeur said on the red carpet.

That call is an absolute certainty.

He has four Vezina Trophies and more wins than any other goalie who has ever played. That’s not the call that is the priority for him right now. He’d still like to hear from an interested general manager with a job opening in net.

It’s mid-November and Brodeur still has the itch to play in the NHL. Actually it’s more than an itch.

“I still have the fire,” he said. “But it’s understandable with the quality of goaltending around the league. The youth and the quality of goaltending is pretty tremendous. We’ll see if my experience is valued to an organization or not.”

He said he’s enjoyed the time off, time with kids and getting the chance to travel. He’s getting on the ice three or four times a week to stay sharp and doesn’t think it would take too much to get him ready for an NHL game.

“It depends on the situation you’re in. If you need a goalie tomorrow, that would be a tough one but I’m willing to do it. It doesn’t matter, I’ve done it before,” Brodeur said.

He said he’s willing to join a team in any role, including as a backup.

“It’s not about ego or anything. I just love to play the game,” Brodeur said

Looking around the league, it’s hard to see a logical fit. The New York Islanders' goaltending hasn’t been great, and their .911 even-strength save percentage is No. 23 in the league. Washington is even lower, at .903. Edmonton has an even-strength save percentage better than only two other teams.

But even if one of those teams looked to make a move in goal, it’s hard to imagine their first choice being a 42-year-old goalie who hasn’t played all season.

Even so, Brodeur is keeping the faith.

“I know I can help a team out somehow,” he said.

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