Goaltender Jacob Markstrom An Attractive Calgary Flames Chip Ahead Of NHL Trade Deadline

Many NHL teams in contention for Stanley Cup could use a top goaltender and the Calgary Flames have one available in Markstrom

Some of the trade scenarios are obvious. The Calgary Flames and Elias Lindholm were at a contract impasse, so a swap was made. The same is expected for the likes of defencemen Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin, who will either be extended or shipped out by the NHL trade deadline.

Other potential deals aren’t as clear.

One of those — a hot topic of discussion — is the future of the Flames crease, where Jacob Markstrom and Dan Vladar currently park. Top prospect Dustin Wolf is waiting patiently for a regular NHL role and the Flames are giving as many kids as possible extended looks.

Markstrom might be the most profitable parting in the coming weeks if he decides he’d like to leave. Despite the incredible showing his skaters put on in Boston on Tuesday, his job is likely only going to get more difficult in Calgary with the departure of a Selke centre like Lindholm, and the probability of one or both of top-four blueliners Tanev and Hanifin finding new homes in the next few weeks.

The Flames have all three salary retention spots open, which makes Markstrom’s $6-million salary much less of an obstacle for a playoff-bound team that has question marks in goal. The 34-year-old veteran had a tough season last year but has arguably been the team’s MVP in 2023-24, and may be the biggest impediment to the Flames landing a draft lottery spot in the standings at this point of the year.

Teams that lack goaltending depth with Stanley Cup hopes would be wise to kick tires on the cost for Markstrom. The Flames’ rival to the north might be a great fit. As good as Stuart Skinner has been, one injury and they’re looking at bringing back Jack Campbell.

Contenders like Carolina, New Jersey, maybe even Colorado could consider a big move. Former Flames GM Brad Treliving might have to get creative, but the crease is one spot where the Toronto Maple Leafs lack consistency.

The only goalie trade that make sense for the Flames is Markstrom.

Vladar simply doesn’t have value. Elliotte Friedman confirmed as much in a recent podcast and again in his 32 Thoughts written piece this week.

As much as Markstrom dislikes distraction of any kind, he might be a man with a lot more options in the coming weeks ahead of the NHL trade deadline.