What To Do...

When Martin Brodeur returns to action in early March, the Devils will be presented with a situation they have yet to face in their history. The tandem of Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmensen have more than held down the fort while the greatest goaltender in NHL history has been on the shelf, but realistically, someone is going to have to go either upon Brodeur’s return or not long after. Clearly, it isn’t going to be Brodeur, so let’s examine the other two options.

Both Weekes and Clemmensen are unrestricted free agents at the end of the 2008-09 season, and both are currently playing with the knowledge that as early as March 4, they could be wearing a different uniform.

Weekes, brought in to backup Brodeur two summers ago, is currently making $700,000. Clemmensen, brought back into the Devils fold this past offseason to tutor Jeff Frazee in Lowell, suddenly found himself vying for the playing time he never had throughout his career. This season, he will collect $500,000.

Clemmensen’s numbers to date this season have been nothing short of impressive. Through 25 games, Clemmensen has posted a 2.31 Goals Against Average, and a .920 Save Percentage. His record of 15-8-1 is no mistake; much like the man who has been New Jersey’s backbone since 1994, Clemmensen has both held leads and kept his team in games. Clemmensen has no doubt turned heads with his play, and with the trade deadline looming on March 4, teams who need help in goal will be calling the office of one Lou Lamoriello, hoping to acquire the Des Moines, Iowa native.

Weekes, by comparison, has only appeared in 9 games this year, but has put together a respectable 2.79 GAA and .908 SV%; nothing flashy, but perfectly average. What Weekes has lacked in stats, he makes up for in experience and rapport. He has no doubt been the most supportive player and encouraging presence in the locker room since coming aboard in 2007. A career starter, Weekes has seen it all, and would perhaps provide a better option for teams looking to upgrade in goal. He doesn’t appear to be the hot hand at the moment, but he brings consistent play, and could probably be moved for less return.

Of course, the third option is to attempt to keep both, however Weekes is too far along in his career to either sit in the press box or report to the minors, and Clemmensen would most likely refuse both options given his recent on-ice success. So what is one to do? It would appear someone has to go, whether it be on deadline day, free agent day on July 1, or some point in between.

For now, Lou Lamoriello has time to sort it all out, but a decision is going to have to be made in the near future.

If it were up to me, I would probably lean toward trading Clemmensen. Based on his recent performance, he would no doubt command a significant raise in salary for next year, something the Devils traditionally will only budge on to a point. Plus, it would be a shame to have to part with such a positive teammate in Weekes. But even I’m torn on the matter. I guess that’s why they pay GMs what they do.