New Jersey Devils’ 2025-26 Report Cards: Jake Allen

The 2025-26 season did not go as planned for the New Jersey Devils. Instead of heading to the postseason for the second year in a row, the team faced numerous injuries and inconsistencies, resulting in a seventh-place finish in the Metropolitan Division. After going 42-37-3, the Devils need to give themselves a fighting chance for next season by acquiring depth scoring, extending the right players, and making choices that maximize their cap space.

All season long, every player on the roster contributed one way or another, with some making a greater impact than others. Let’s take a look at veteran goaltender Jake Allen, who provided stability throughout the Devils’ rocky season.

2025-26 Performance

Allen was expected to serve as a backup goaltender once more, but fans were in for a pleasant surprise when he ended up taking over for Jacob Markstrom. During the Devils’ impressive eight-game win streak at the beginning of the season, Allen started in net for five contests after Markstrom’s injury. He put up a .918 save percentage (SV%) and allowed an average of just two goals against per game within that time frame.

From that point onward, he provided crucial depth in the crease, pulling off gritty wins when the team needed it most. For example, he led the team to two shootout victories in November, followed by an impressive 5-0 shutout win against the Buffalo Sabres.

For the second half of the season, Allen’s efforts were met with mixed results, featuring a few losing streaks between January and February — but the entire team struggled, not just goaltending. Regardless, he finished strong in the home stretch, going 5-2-1 in his final eight starts.

All in all, he ended the season with a .904 SV% and a record of 17-17-2, which marked a slight improvement from 2024-25. In fact, Allen earned a .900 SV% or higher in 52.8% of his starts this season, based on data from NHL Edge. His .914 mid-range SV% also ranked in the 93rd percentile among all NHL goaltenders, and he saved 22.2 goals above expected.

Allen has been the reliable veteran that the Devils need, stepping up in the event of injury and helping the team stay on an even keel.

Impact for the Devils

The Devils acquired Allen in March 2024 from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He became an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the end of last season, but opted to sign an extension to stay in New Jersey. The resulting deal was a five-year, $9 million contract, which has already proven to be a wise investment.

Since then, he’s been the ideal backup goaltender, with 13 seasons of experience under his belt. Even when the team faced uncertainty with a depleted roster, Allen was steadfast. It certainly wasn’t an easy feat, especially with star defensemen Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, and Simon Nemec missing time at various points. 

Heading into next season, Markstrom and Allen have all the components to be an impactful tandem. Their leadership can take the team far, as they seek to make a comeback for 2026-27. And should Markstrom run into any more injury troubles, fans can rest assured that Allen can handle being moved to starter. 

All in all, his contributions in New Jersey complement the Devils’ newfound maturity. By having a dependable backup goalie, the team can focus on other areas in need of improvement, like acquiring a top-six forward and secondary scoring.

Future in New Jersey

It’s safe to say that Allen’s future with the Devils is a sure thing. For starters, his $1.8 million average annual value (AAV) is a major steal, providing stellar goaltending at a cap-friendly price. Likewise, knowing a capable veteran goalie will be at the team’s disposal for the next four seasons will help reinforce their confidence.

His willingness to re-sign in New Jersey indicates what Allen believes the team is capable of. By opting for a longer-term deal with a lower salary, he cemented himself as the Devils’ backup goaltender — a role that will hold tremendous pressure after the ups and downs of 2025-26.

For next season, Allen will play a critical role as the Devils try to re-establish themselves as a competitive group within the Metropolitan Division. If he continues to act as a steady backbone in the crease, it could mean a return to the playoffs sooner rather than later.

Overall Grade

Following a solid performance this season, Allen’s overall grade for 2025-26 is an A-. Much like the rest of the roster, he had moments of difficulty, but handled them with the poise of a tried and true NHL veteran. And now, the Devils will have even more to prove after missing the postseason. Allen has yet to appear in a playoff game for the Devils, but there’s no doubt that he’d be able to pack a one-two punch alongside a fully healthy Markstrom.

Whether he was temporarily filling in as a starter or making crucial saves, the 35-year-old inevitably delivered. And after struggling to find consistent goaltending for so long, Allen has been a respectable backup. Moving forward, fans can expect the same kind of stability for 2026-27.