Martin Brodeur played 1,266 NHL games in goal during what will turn out to be a Hall of Fame career. Brodeur played a total of just seven out of those 1,266 games for the St. Louis Blues.
Last week, Brodeur retired with the St. Louis Blues rather than as a New Jersey Devil. During his retirement speech, he did not refer to or acknowledge the Devils until pressed by reporters afterwards. The bizarre retirement has led to a considerable amount of speculation about the rift between Brodeur and the Devils.
In Touch with Lou
New Jersey Devils president Lou Lamoriello is the iron-fisted dictator of the Devils that has long had a special relationship with Brodeur. Together, the tandem led the franchise to three Stanley Cup Championships. But when Lamoriello traded for Corey Schneider last year in the 2014 NHL Draft, it was a sign that the future of the Devils was finally being addressed and that Brodeur would have a minor role as a player in it.
The move did not sit well with Brodeur, who felt unappreciated for his years of service. Meanwhile, Schneider wanted nothing to do with a goaltending controversy after having to constantly look over his shoulder and see Roberto Luongo gunning for his job during their time together with the Vancouver Canucks. While Brodeur and Lamoriello do maintain contact, there is an obvious strain in their relationship.
A big factor that also may have played into all of this is the New Jersey Devils’ new ownership group that does not have deep ties to the past and Lamoriello and also has a more modern approach and philosophy on how to conduct business.
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Departed not Retired
After last season Brodeur never actually retired. He did not sign with the Devils to become a backup and instead waited for an opportunity for a gig with a top contender. The Blues were the perfect fit, especially when All Star goaltender Brian Elliot went down to injury. But when Elliot returned it meant Brodeur would again be on the bench as a backup. After taking a two week leave of absence to figure it all out, Brodeur finally accepted a job in the Blues front office as a hockey adviser and goaltending scout.
His Own Man wants his Own Team
Brodeur’s goal is to run his own team, just like his mentor Lamoriello. The Blues were impressed enough with his mind and character to give him an education on the business of hickey as they drain his brain for information.
Brodeur retires as his own man and with respect. Most believe that he will, indeed, run his own team someday.
