Jacob Markstrom heads to New Jersey, handing Flames crease to goaltending tandem of Dustin Wolf and Dan Vladar
The devil was in the details. After failing to complete their deal at the NHL trade deadline, the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils successfully negotiated one this week — sending goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the east coast for a 2025 first round pick and defenceman Kevin Bahl.
The Flames will also retain 31.25% of Markstrom’s remaining contract, which will pay him US$6-million for the next two years.
It's culmination of months of work, with the two sides originally coming so close to a trade at the deadline that Markstrom was reportedly asked to waive his no-move clause in the process. The fact it didn't happen triggered frustration with the former Vezina Trophy finalist and he wasn't the same down the stretch this season.
The Devils landed a starting goaltender they feel can take them closer to the Stanley Cup they covet. The Flames get a 23-year-old giant on defence, some more salary flexibility, and a first-round pick in next year's draft — their sixth opening-round selection over the next three years.
It's part of a continuing youth movement, with a full-time NHL opportunity now staring 23-year-old goaltending prospect Dustin Wolf in the face. His competition will be current backup Dan Vladar, who is entering the final year of his current contract.
Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy said in a statement that the franchise "had identified Kevin Bahl as a priority player. They like his 6-foot-6 frame but also noted his intelligence and mobility. His presence creates more competition on the Flames blueline behind MacKenzie Weegar, Rasmus Andersson and pending UFA Oliver Kylington (assuming he stays in the fold). Daniil Miromanov, Braden Pachal and Joel Hanley are under contract for next season as well.
The return on the trade is lower than what was anticipated during the season. However, the balance of power shifted to the buyer because of Markstrom's no-movement clause and more public disapproval of how his time in Calgary was coming to an end. However, the 31.25% salary retention is lower than the 50% the Devils wanted.