The Florida Panthers are improving their goaltending with the latest Jacob Markstrom trade with the New Jersey Devils. The Panthers are acquiring Markstrom and Angus Crookshank in exchange for Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and Ben Steeves. This follows Florida’s trade for Akira Schmid yesterday, as the Panthers look to build their goalie tandem with the likely departure of Sergei Bobrovsky to free agency.
Credit Image: © Alie Skowronski/Miami Herald via ZUMA Press Wire
Evan Rodriques, Jesper Boqvist and Ben Steeves to NJ in exchange for Jacob Marktsrom and Angus Crookshank.
That's the full Panthers-Devils deal.— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 30, 2026
Jacob Markstrom Trade Sets Up Florida Goalie Tandem
Markstrom will likely be the starting goalie for Florida next season, as Bobrovsky heads to the market. Markstrom is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, with a 3.07 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage in 44 games, with a 23-19-1 record. He split the net with Jake Allen in New Jersey last season, with Allen often outplaying him. Florida will be counting on a bounce-back season from him. Markstrom has played in 578 career NHL games, having a 2.73 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. He has a $6 million annual cap hit until 2028.
Crookshank is a 26-year old left winger who has spent most of his career so far in the AHL. He has played in 29 career NHL games with the Ottawa Senators and New Jersey Devils, recording five points.
Who’s Going the Other Way to New Jersey?
The biggest piece going the Devils’ way is Evan Rodrigues, who was a big part of the 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup championship teams in Florida. He is known as a versatile forward who can play as a winger or centre, and plays a gritty style of game. He has scored over 30 points in each of his last five seasons. A solid veteran to bring in.
Jesper Boqvist is a depth forward who won the Stanley Cup in 2025 with Florida. He is also a gritty player who has a physical, hard-working game. He scored 13 points in 73 games last season with the Panthers.
Ben Steeves is an AHL forward who has played three seasons with the Charlotte Checkers. He recorded 23 goals and 22 assists for 45 points in 72 games in Charlotte last season.
Florida has their goalie tandem for next season set, and New Jersey is getting two solid depth forwards. Now, the Devils can focus on improving their goaltending. Or, will they just go with Jake Allen and Nico Daws as their tandem?
Main Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
