The New Jersey Devils have made a significant move by acquiring goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. This trade involved defenseman Kevin Bahl and a top-10-protected first-round draft pick in 2025. Markstrom, who waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the transaction, has two seasons remaining on his current contract at $6 million per year. The Devils had been eyeing Markstrom since the March trade deadline but only managed to secure the deal recently. It has been reported that Markstrom had been unhappy with the Flames for months and was open to a trade sooner.
Markstrom, a native of Sweden, expressed his excitement about joining the Devils during a video call with reporters. He emphasized the importance of feeling wanted by the team and the desire to contribute to their success. Markstrom’s stats from last season include a 23-23-2 record, a .905 save percentage, and a 2.78 goals-against average. He is expected to form a tandem with veteran Jake Allen in New Jersey. Allen was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in March, following the departure of former No. 1 goalie Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks.
The Devils‘ goaltending situation has been a concern over the past two seasons, but the addition of Markstrom and Allen is set to bring stability to the team. Markstrom is determined to make a difference and help the Devils win as many games as possible. With the coaching expertise of Sheldon Keefe, who was hired on May 23, the team is looking to establish itself as a consistent playoff contender. The pairing of Markstrom and Allen is seen as a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
Changes in Calgary
Following Markstrom’s departure, the Flames will likely rely on Dan Vladar and Dustin Wolf as their goaltending duo. Wolf, a seventh-round pick in 2019, is being groomed as a key player for the organization’s future. Vladar, who served as Markstrom’s backup last season, will take on a more prominent role in the upcoming games. The Flames are now in a transitional phase, focusing on developing their young talent and building a competitive team for the future.
The acquisition of Jacob Markstrom by the New Jersey Devils marks a significant shift in the team’s goaltending strategy. With Markstrom and Allen leading the way, the Devils are poised to make a strong push towards becoming a playoff contender. The changes in Calgary reflect a shift in focus towards nurturing young talent and building a team for sustained success. The upcoming NHL season promises to be an exciting one for both the Devils and the Flames as they navigate these changes and strive for excellence on the ice.
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