New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur likely to return

New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur, a four-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL’s best goaltender, is likely to return next season, according to tweets from the Star-Ledger‘s Rich Chere and ESPNNewYork.com‘s Katie Strang.

New Jersey lost to the Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup Finals. There has been speculation the 40-year-old Brodeur would retire following the season.

Brodeur: "Really good chance I'll be back."

—
Rich Chere (@Ledger_NJDevils) June 13, 2012

#NJD Brodeur: "We'll be celebrating a championship in the near future."

—
Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) June 13, 2012

Before the Finals began, Brodeur was reportedly leaning toward returning, win or lose. After the loss, he will take some time before deciding for sure. He plans to announce his decision by July 1.

Brodeur has led the Devils to three Stanley Cups and has a career 2.23 goals against average. He ranks first all-time with 119 shutouts.