It could be a major temptation for Lou Lamoriello, but at the March 4 trade deadline he’ll likely pass on picking up a significant piece of loot.
He’ll probably have to resist renting Scott Clemmensen to the highest bidder, unable to depend on an immediate and full contribution by Martin Brodeur, who would barely be back in action by then.
The Devils have half-weathered Brodeur’s Nov. 6 biceps tendon surgery, and Clemmensen will afford the Devils the opportunity to bring Brodeur back gradually from his 3-4 month absence to resume his chase of Patrick Roy’s NHL record of 551 victories (Brodeur is seven shy).
But there will be teams suddenly finding themselves in need of a goaltender for the playoffs, teams who will have been impressed by Clemmensen. The Devils could likely demand significant bounty for Clemmensen, perhaps even a first-rounder from an injury-struck contender, as he heads toward certain summertime departure as an unrestricted free agent. Perhaps the Devils might long for the old, later trade deadline that would have given them more time to make sure about Brodeur.
If Clemmensen faces the Canadiens tonight in Newark (7:00, MSG+, WFAN 660 AM), it will be his 10th straight start, and 17th in 18 games. At 13-6-1 – 13-4-1 in his last 20 starts – he has saved the Devils’ season.