Martin Brodeur: 6 NHL Teams That Could Use Him in a Mentoring Role Next Year

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His best seasons are most likely behind him, he probably has little or no desire to be a backup and there may not even be a next season if the new collective bargaining agreement doesn't go through.

With that all said, here's six NHL clubs that could make use of Martin Brodeur's experience if he doesn't return to the New Jersey Devils in 2012-13.

Montreal Canadiens

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This one might be the easiest to foresee.

Brodeur could go back to his hometown for his professional swan song, while spelling Carey Price along the way.

Winnipeg Jets

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Brodeur could head further west in his native Canada, and perhaps, give both the nascent Jets and Ondrej Pavelec a stronger boost towards the playoffs.

Ottawa Senators

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Continuing the Canadian circuit possibilities, Brodeur could venture to its capital city and give Craig Anderson and/or Alex Auld a hand as the Sens continue their road back to respectability.

Florida Panthers

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Brodeur could head south, like so many (near) retirees do, and rejoin former Devils backup Scott Clemmensen on an improved Florida team that hasn't made the playoffs since Brodeur and New Jersey ousted the Panthers way back in 2000.

More likely, Brodeur could split time with rookie Jacob Markstrom and show him the NHL ropes.

Phoenix Coyotes

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Brodeur could do well with the Coyotes, especially if they move to his native Quebec, like so many rumors have them doing in the near future, new arena built yet or not.

He could also supplant either Jason LaBarbera or Mike Smith in the Phoenix cage.

Philadelphia Flyers

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The Flyers' biggest problem come spring always seems to be in net.

If Ilya Bryzgalov and Sergei Bobrovski aren't up to the task, then perhaps Brodeur could help out in the short run.

But what are the odds of Brodeur finishing out his career in Philadelphia, playing for a long-time nemesis of his?

Some, a little, not much.