The New Jersey Devils traded for Jake Allen as veteran goaltending insurance, sources told ESPN.

The Devils are sending a conditional third-round pick to the Canadiens, who are retaining 50% of Allen's $3.85 million salary. The draft pick could improve to a second-rounder based off a games-played contingency. Allen is under contract through next season, now at a $1.9 million cap hit for New Jersey.

The Devils have a team save percentage of .891 this season between Vitek Vanecek, Akira Schmid and Nico Daws. It is the second-worst mark in the league. No New Jersey goalie has recorded a shutout this season.

According to sources, the Devils were close to a deal for Calgary's Jacob Markstrom last month, which fell through. Sources say New Jersey will look to reengage in those trade talks over the summer, looking for a true No. 1 goaltender to backstop their exciting young core.

The addition of Allen is viewed as a stopgap to shoulder starts from the Devils' young goaltenders for the rest of the season while protecting their confidence and development.

On a team that hasn't been in playoff contention for some time in Montreal, the 33-year-old Allen won 15 games last season in 42 starts and won three of his first four starts this season.