Maple Leafs Rumors: Martin Brodeur Would Be Perfect If He Tests Free Agency

If current New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur decides to test free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs better make a huge run at him. He would be a perfect fit for the team.

The veteran goalkeeper has spent 19 years in the NHL, and all 19 of them have come with New Jersey, but according to a Tweet from Darren Dreger of TSN, Brodeur appears likely to test free agency:

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Martin Brodeur very likely to test free agent market. Brodeur has hired Pat Brisson (CAA) to represent him. Bidders get ready!

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 29, 2012"

If he does end up hitting the free-agent market there are two questions that immediately come to mind: Where would he go, and who wants him?

While Brodeur is undoubtedly one of the game's greats, it is relevant to point out that he is 40 years old and has 19 years of wear and tear under his belt. That said, he also has 19 years of experience, including three Stanley Cup wins under his belt. He also just proved his worth in a grueling playoff run that ended in a Stanley Cup Final series loss to the Los Angeles Kings this past season.

It could be argued that Brodeur still has a lot to give, but to whom?

If Brodeur does decide to hit the market, Toronto Maple Leafs fans may want to take notice. They are a team that has a lot of needs—a veteran goalie amongst them—and according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, the Leafs could be an option:

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While the Leafs have talked to the Vancouver Canucks about Roberto Luongo, Brodeur could be had without giving up any assets, not to mention without the $53.3 million left on Luongo’s deal. Having said that, Luongo is still in his prime. Still, a Brodeur-Reimer combo doesn’t sound all too bad. The fly in the ointment here is that Leafs goaltender coach Francois Allaire and Brodeur are miles apart on style. You would have to think, though, that Allaire could just keep his distance from the big guy in this case. And the loquacious Brodeur in the biggest hockey media market in the NHL? That’s just too delicious to ignore.

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If Brodeur does indeed want to play elsewhere when the free agency period stars, the Maple Leafs have to do everything they can to draw him in.

They ranked 29th in the NHL last season with a 3.2 goals against average, and that's not going to cut if they want to be a winning franchise.

Brodeur on the other hand had a goals against average of 2.4 and a save percentage of .908. He was an integral part of the Devils' playoff run, and he can bring that experience and leadership to a Leafs team that could really use him between the pipes.

If he hits free agency the Leafs will have the ability to go talk to him about joining their team. They better do so, because he would be a great fit.