Calgary Flames netminder Jacob Markstrom is having a bounce-back season, prompting speculation about whether the club will trade him to a playoff contender.
Calgary Flames netminder Jacob Markstrom is having a bounce-back season, prompting speculation about whether the club will trade him to a playoff contender.
Several clubs have been reportedly looking to upgrade their goaltending. However, there aren't many suitable options for reliable starting netminders in the current trade market.
Playoff contenders, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs, are at risk of having their post-season hopes derailed by shaky goaltending. That prompted the Calgary Sun's Kent Wilson to suggest Jacob Markstrom as a trade option.
A finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2021-22, Markstrom's struggles between the pipes in 2022-23 were a contributing factor in the Flames missing the playoffs. However, the 33-year-old goalie is enjoying a bounce-back performance this season.
With the Flames on the bubble as a Western Conference wild-card contender, Wilson felt this is a perfect opportunity to move an aging player like Markstrom with an expensive contract while his stock is still high. He said it would also align with their internal goalie succession plan by promoting the promising Dustin Wolf on a full-time basis.
Sportsnet included Markstrom on its list of 25 trade candidates to watch leading up to the March 8 NHL trade deadline. However, it felt the possibility of moving him is a long shot given his $6-million average annual value through 2025-26 and his full no-movement clause.
Markstrom could agree to waive his NMC for a chance to go to a playoff or Stanley Cup contender. However, his cap hit is a significant stumbling block in a season where many teams have little cap space.
The Flames would have to retain a significant portion of Markstrom's cap hit, perhaps as much as half, to swing a deal. Convincing them to do so could cost an interested club at least a first-round pick, a top prospect or a good young NHL player in the deal.
If Markstrom is willing to accept a trade to a contender, the earliest that could happen is in the offseason when teams have more cap space and a willingness to invest it in the trade market.
