Jacob Markstrom was traded to New Jersey. Let's assess what Calgary received in return.
After a standoff that started at the beginning of trade deadline discussions this season, the Calgary Flames finally struck a deal with the New Jersey Devils over goaltender Jacob Markstrom Wednesday.
The full trade involves Markstrom heading to New Jersey, with defenseman Kevin Bahl and a top-10 protected first-round pick returning for Calgary. Calgary is also retaining 31.25% of Markstrom's salary.
Should New Jersey draft top ten in the 2025 NHL Draft, Calgary will receive New Jersey's first-round pick in 2026.
While the first-round pick was an essential piece of what Calgary needed back as they retool this roster, Kevin Bahl is a player many might not know too much about yet.
Bahl, 23, played in all 82 of the Devils' regular season games this season. The British Columbia product is not known as a point scorer. However, his physicality and shutdown ability could be exactly what Calgary needs. Since the departure of Nikita Zadorov, the Flames have lacked an enforcer on the back end. While Bahl might not be Zadorov yet, his age and 6'6", 230 lb frame suggest he could develop into a very similar sort of player. GM Craig Conroy echoed that same sort of sentiment Wednesday.
“You know, when I look at Kevin... He’s a younger version of maybe a Zadorov-type player,” Conroy said. “His game has continually gotten better each year as we've watched him progress through the NHL and American League, and even Ottawa (in the OHL). To see where his game is going at his age, to kind of grow with our group, he was a really good fit and we need for us."
Bahl equaled his games played this season with penalty minutes. He was second on the team in hits and blocked shots. He also is a regular killing penalties and could improve an already top-10 penalty kill Calgary had this season. And as I mentioned prior, his physicality is made for the postseason. Expect some bruises going against him in a series.
Conroy envisions an exciting future for Bahl as he continues to mature and progress.
"We think as he gets to 24, 25, 26, 27, you know, on the penalty-kill and be able to play those hard minutes … I see him as a shutdown guy with that size and reach and he’s using his body better as he’s gotten a little older, so I think he’s only going to continue to get better. That’s exciting for us."
All in all, it is clear Calgary lost some value for Markstrom from the previous price set in March during trade negotiations. Markstrom's desire to leave and his no-movement clause left Calgary in a difficult spot. However, Bahl has a bright future and has fan favorite potential because of his physical figure and the first-round pick is a crucial part of the retooling that has begun for the Flames.