Jacob Markstrom was traded by the Calgary Flames to the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday for a first-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft and defenseman Kevin Bahl.
The 34-year-old goalie went 23-23-2 with a 2.78 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage and two shutouts in 48 games this season. He has two seasons remaining on a six-year contract and can become an unrestricted free agent after 2025-26.
“It's a big challenge,” Markstrom said. “It's a big team with high expectations and as a goaltender, there's pressure, and I've been on teams where there's pressure on goaltending in the Canadian market. I know what's expected and as a person, and people that know me, I just want to win hockey games. And I'm my harshest critic when we don't win, so I'm very happy and excited to go out there.”
The trade comes two months after Markstrom was undecided about his future in Calgary after the Flames (38-39-5) failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
“I don't know, but what I do know and what I tell you guys every day is that I love winning hockey games,” he said April 20. “I think that's my competitive side … that every time I put skates on I have an urge to do something and I want to get it done. You want to win hockey games and I know everybody in the locker room wants to win hockey games. That's pretty much all my mind is on right now.”
Selected by the Florida Panthers in the second round (No. 31) of the 2008 NHL Draft, Markstrom is 215-196-57 with a 2.73 GAA and .909 save percentage in 485 regular-season games (468 starts) for the Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Panthers and is 13-13 with a 2.90 GAA and .911 save percentage in 26 playoff games.
The first-round pick in the trade is protected in the top-10. If New Jersey has a top-10 selection next year, Calgary will receive its first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
“Jacob was a true professional throughout the entire process,” Flames general manager Craig Conroy said. “When we finally got back to him to ask if he would waive his no-move [clause]He agreed and signed it and we were able to close the deal this morning. He was a big part of it, though, because he had the authority to say 'no' to whatever came his way.”
Bahl played in all 82 games for the Devils this season and scored 11 points (one goal, 10 assists). He has scored 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) in 148 regular-season games and one assist in 11 playoff games, all with New Jersey.
Bahl, who will turn 24 on June 27, was selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the second round (No. 55) of the 2018 NHL Draft.
“Today's trade reflects our focus on adding young talented players to our roster as well as acquiring significant draft capital, while maintaining our commitment as a playoff contending team,” Conroy said. “We thank Jacob for his professionalism and understanding of our decision to make this trade now and at this stage of his career.”