Veteran goaltender and future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur is returning to the NHL for a 22nd season—his first for a team other than the New Jersey Devils.
The St. Louis Blues signed Brodeur to a one-year contract today worth $700,000 plus bonuses.
Brodeur, 42, has been practicing with the Blues on a tryout basis for the past week after the team’s starting goaltender, Brian Elliott, suffered an injury.
“Marty still has the desire to compete and his resume speaks for itself,” said Blues general manager Doug Armstrong. “It seemed like an easy solution.”
Widely regarded as one of the game’s best goaltenders ever, Brodeur leads the NHL in wins (688), games played (1,259), losses (394) and shutouts (124). He has won two Olympic gold medals with Canada in 2002 and 2010, and is a three-time Stanley Cup Champion.
“I really appreciate the opportunity for me to be here the last few days,” Brodeur said in a release. “It definitely worked out real well. I’m excited for this fresh start.”
Despite the fact he hasn’t played since last season, coach Ken Hitchcock says he won’t be sitting on the bench.
“If he’s here, he’s going to play,” he said. “He’s not going to back up.”
Brodeur became a free agent last summer, telling ESPN on June 7 that he intended to test the free agency market. While the 2014-15 season began with Brodeur unsigned, he remained hopeful that injuries would present enhanced options for him to get an opportunity with a contender.
In addition to his $700,000 base salary, Brodeur is reportedly eligible for the following performance bonuses: $10,000 for every point in the standings he earns while the goalie of record; $125,000 for being on an NHL roster on Feb. 1; and $125,000 for being on an NHL roster March 4. In addition, the contract includes playoff bonuses tied to the team winning rounds and Brodeur’s own playing time during the run.
