Has Jacob Markstrom Played His Final Game with the Calgary Flames?

The Calgary Flames and Jacob Markstrom were noncommittal about the goaltender's future on Friday, leading to renewed trade speculation since then.

Jacob Markstrom was the subject of trade rumors for weeks before the March trade deadline. While the 34-year-old goaltender remains with the Calgary Flames, this season could be his last in the Stampede City. 

Markstrom said he didn't know where he'd be playing next season during his end-of-season interview with reporters on Friday. He briefly mentioned meeting with Flames GM Craig Conroy but declined to elaborate. 

“Season just ended, and I saw 'Connie,' and leave it at that,” he said.

The netminder also declined to discuss a rumored deal that would have sent him to the New Jersey Devils last February. 

“I don't know, I just read what you guys are writing,” he said.

TSN's Salim Valji noted Markstrom's non-committal stance about returning to Calgary. Conroy, meanwhile, said time will tell when asked about the goalie's future. 

Sportsnet's Eric Francis observed both men's remarks. He concluded that Markstrom will be playing elsewhere next season if the price is right. 

Francis claimed there wasn't much of a market for Markstrom at the deadline. However, he could draw interest from teams that make early exits from this year's post-season.

Clubs that missed the playoffs due to poor goaltending could also come calling, with the New Jersey Devils leading the charge. GM Tom Fitzgerald signalled his intent to go “big-game hunting” this summer for a starting goaltender. 

Markstrom's contract could be a sticking point. He's signed for two more years with an average annual value of $6 million. That cap hit might be easier to move this summer, with the salary cap projected to rise to $87.5 million for 2024-25, but it will still take a big bite out of a team's salary-cap payroll.

Markstom also carries a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over possible trade destinations. 

Other quality goalies could be available in this summer's trade market. The Boston Bruins could make 2023 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark available, while the Nashville Predators could dangle Juuse Saros if his contract extension talks reach an impasse.