The Calgary Flames have parted ways with starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom by trading him to the New Jersey Devils. The Devils are sending defenceman Kevin Bahl and a 2025 first round pick to the Flames. Also, that draft pick is top ten protected.
Jacob Markstrom Traded to New Jersey
With some questions swirling about how Calgary would move forward, they have decided that recouping assets for starting goalie Jacob Markstrom is the best course of action. This follows the Flames making a big move to trade Elias Lindholm in favour of mostly future assets. After spending multiple seasons with the Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks and lastly the Flames, Markstrom worked his way up to be a true starting goaltender. He signed with the Flames in 2020 as a free agent.
In 2021-22, he finished the year with a .922 SV% and 2.22 GAA in 63 games played. He cooled off last season but so did the rest of the Flames. As of the All-Star break this season, Markstrom had a solid .912 SV% and 2.62 GAA. At 34 years old he is certainly not a young up-and-coming goalie, but he has shown that he can be a reliable starter. Not to mention that he is 6′ 6″ and 207 pounds so he takes up a lot of the net.
What this Means
With two more years left on his contract, this move from Calgary’s perspective shows that they are looking at re-tooling the team. They are able to take advantage of solid play by a slightly older goaltender in exchange for gathering assets to assist in the re-tool. This also opens up a slot for the 22-year-old Dustin Wolf to potentially compete for more of an NHL role to develop. Wolf is a strong prospect and with some more opportunity, he may really blossom.
Meanwhile, the Devils get’s a good goalie who is reliable. As mentioned above he is big and can limit open space in the net. With two years left on his contract at a $6 million AAV, they see a goalie who can come in and take the reigns for the foreseeable future. This move should help solidify the goalie depth and could turn out to be a game-changer.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
