Over the past 30 years, hockey fans have been spoiled with some of the best goaltenders ever to play the game. Whether it's just more athletic people playing the position or something as simple as better equipment, the goalie position has never been stronger. One of the guys who stands out above the rest is Martin Brodeur. Over his 22-year Hall of Fame career, he had a save percentage of .912% and a 2.24 goals against average, as well as four Vezina Trophies.
The majority of Brodeur's time in the league was spent with the New Jersey Devils. He helped the Devils win three Stanley Cups and made the playoffs 13 times during his 21-year tenure. However, what is often forgotten is Brodeur's stint with the St. Louis Blues. Although it was at the end of his career and had a short tenure, it is an interesting aspect of his career that is largely forgotten.
Why the Blues took a chance on Martin Brodeur
At the end of the 2013-14 season, Brodeur announced that he was planning on testing free agency and essentially ended his tenure with New Jersey. This move came as a surprise to many, as it was just figured he would spend his entire career with the Devils. Plus, with him being on the wrong side of 40 and his stats constantly declining, it seemed like a weird time for him to test the open market. Things did not go the way Brodeur had hoped, as a month and a half into the season, he was still a free agent.
While Brodeur waited for a contract offer, the Blues started the season hot. Through the first 30 games of the season, they had a record of 14-6-2, good for 30 points. They were also in a dog fight for the first three spots in the Central division with the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks. However, the Blues had suffered a significant blow with starting goaltender Brian Elliott suffering a sprained knee, giving them a disadvantage.
Not wanting to fall behind, the Blues were in the market for a serviceable netminder. Not someone who can be the full-time starter, as Jake Allen has been playing decently, but someone who could come in from time to time- a perfect situation for Brodeur. After a tryout, the Blues signed him for a one-year deal.
On December 4th, 2014, Broduer made his debut for the Blues against the Predators. Unfortunately for Blues fans, it was a far cry from the Broduer that won multiple Stanley Cups. He faced 24 shots and stopped 20 of them, allowing four shots in a 4-3 loss. This was the story for most of Broduer's time with St. Louis. He appeared in seven games, having a 3-3 record with a .899 save percentage and a 2.87 goals against average.
His time in The Lou came to an abrupt end on January 27th, 2015. Elliot had made a full recovery from his knee injury, and Broduer was demoted to third goalie on the depth chart. It was at that time that he decided to retire from the NHL, marking the end of his brief tenure with the team. Although short, it's an interesting footnote in a Hall of Fame career.