Trade Grade: Calgary Flames Trade Jacob Markstrom To The New Jersey Devils
The NHL Stanley Cup Finals have not concluded, but a tremendous move has just been made. This deal involves one of the top goalies on the trade market. The Calgary Flames have moved to trade Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils. The trade details of this move are listed down below.
Calgary Flames Side
Calgary is finally doing what it should have done a few seasons ago: Blowing it all up. It started during the trade deadline when Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev, and Noah Hanifin. Well, the Flames went further.
It was only a matter of time until Markstrom was traded as well. It was rumored that Markstrom was not happy about the trade rumors and talk involving him. It is pretty telling, too, that Markstrom waived his no-trade clause. Seeing the writing on the wall, Calgary had to trade him.
Getting the first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft is a nice deal for a rebuilding team. Keep in mind that this is a Top 10 protected pick.
Kevin Bahl is also a nice piece to get. The soon-to-be 24-year-old (His Birthday is June 27th) was a solid part of the Devils' defenseman squad, and with a change of scenery, he could get better in Calgary. As a physical defenseman, he can be useful; however, he has to improve on offense and commit fewer penalties, which is a big con to his game.
New Jersey Devils Side
Yeah, it was obvious that the Devils would make a big move for a goaltender. Have the Devils ever really had consistent goaltending play since the Corey Schneider Days? Mackenzie Blackwood was close until the Devils burned him out, and Blackwood kept getting injured.
The Devils tried with Vitek Vanecek, Kaapo Kahkonen, and Jake Allen, but they did not work as number 1 goalies. Allen is fine, but he is not the dependable goalie you want starting most of your season. Allen will be a nice backup option, with Markstrom being traded here. Markstrom provides a much-needed upgrade in the net for the Devils.
Jacob Markstrom has a solid contract. It has two years remaining and a cap hit of 6 million per year. Worse, it would not be the most challenging to get out of if Markstrom doesn't work out. At least the Devils got Calgary to retain 31.25% of Markstrom's salary.
Grades for Jacob Markstrom Trade Calgary Flames - B New Jersey Devils - B+
This is a win-win trade for both teams, but I will give the higher grade to the New Jersey Devils here. They needed a goaltender badly, and losing the first-round pick in 2025 is going to hurt, but getting Markstrom should help strengthen the team's chances of making the playoffs. The Flames win by trading a player who wanted out and getting future assets. The first-round pick in 2025 is a nice get, and Kevin Bahl is a solid addition to their defense.
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS:
Order your favorite whiskey or spirit for the big game right to your doorstep and use code STADIUMRANT10 for a 10% discount at Caskers
Use code STADIUMRANT20 for a 20% discount at Bulletproof Coffee, SwingJuice and Performix.
If you love to shotgun beers, use code STADIUMRANT10 at Wild Man Drinking Company.
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!