Does Martin Brodeur’s potential availability shake up goalie market?

Whenever a goalie of Martin Brodeur’s caliber says that he’d consider waiving his no-trade clause to accept a trade to a contender, it’s certain to get some attention. That’s precisely what the 41-year-old goalie said to Rich Chere of the New Jersey Star-Ledger earlier this week though. As per Chere’s report:

"I hope it will never happen, but if there is a situation that could be really fun for me and really good for the Devils, why not? It’s not like I’m going to play 25 more years here.I’m not looking for that. I want to get back into the playoffs with this team and try to do something with this team. I would say 99 percent I’d say no right now. But for a little bit of time (in the spring)? Nobody is going to remember it, really. It wouldn’t be that big of a deal."

Some interesting words from one of the greatest goaltenders of all time. With teams such as the Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes looking for help in net, how do Brodeur’s public comments shake up the market for goaltenders? Ilya Bryzgalov is still waiting for the right NHL deal, but several other teams are sitting on a surplus and waiting for the perfect offer.

Among the stronger teams in goal are the Anaheim Ducks and St. Louis Blues. It’s believed that either Frederik Andersen or Viktor Fasth could be had for the right price, while it’s unlikely that Brian Elliott ends the season as a Blue. That’s it for teams dealing from a position of strength, but what about the Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres?

Both teams could possibly look to trade experienced netminders as the season wears on, but does the value of Tim Thomas or Ryan Miller take a hit with Brodeur suddenly on the table?

It’ll all come down to asking price.

What would the Devils ask for in return for the aging veteran? The price is likely lower than that of the Ducks or Blues, who would be looking for younger assets in return for their goalies. With so many trams looking to trade goalies and several teams in need of help, it’s only a matter of time before some movement transpires.