As was confirmed by the New Jersey Devils organization, the team will waive and then buy out the contract of goaltender Cory Schneider. He will join a long list of netminders hitting the free agent market on Friday.
The team said in an announcement, “We have announced that goaltender Cory Schneider will be placed on unconditional waivers today for the purpose of a buyout of the final two years of his contract.” When the team moves forward, they will be on the hook for $2 million for the next four seasons.
Schneider was a big pick up for the Devils back when they acquired him from the Vancouver Canucks. Some would argue he was close to an elite goalie for the better part of five years and was expected to be their starter for years. Unfortunately, injuries and streaky play overtook his run in a Devils uniform.
Schneider, 34, wants to keep playing according to Pierre LeBrun. but it will be interesting to see if there are any teams that come looking considering the surplus of tenders available. Schneider has struggled posting save percentages under .910 since the 2015-16 campaign and he was a regular in the AHL last season. The 2019-20 campaign was his worst to date, recording just an .887 in 13 appearances for New Jersey.
The Goaltender Market Just Got a Little Bigger
Some notable NHL goalies set to hit the free agent market tomorrow at 12 p.m. now include: Braden Holtby, Jacob Markstrom, Mike Smith, Thomas Greiss, Corey Crawford, Anton Khudobin, Cam Talbot, Craig Anderson, Henrik Lundqvist, Jimmy Howard and Schneider.
Next up for the Devils? Get Mackenzie Blackwood signed to a new contract and dip into the market for another goalie to round out your tandem.
Next: Several Teams With Interest in Now-UFA Bobby Ryan
