On June 19, 2024, the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils orchestrated a blockbuster deal [https://www.nhl.com/news/jacob-markstrom-traded-to-new-jersey-by-calgary] involving goalie Jacob Markström. At the time, the Swedish netminder was coming off a 23-23-2 record, splitting the crease with an up-and-coming rookie, Dustin Wolf. Ultimately, after losing superstars like Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau, General Manager Craig Conroy felt it was time to hand the keys to Wolf and dealt Markström to the Devils in exchange for defenseman Kevin Bahl and a protected first-round pick. As of 2026, Markström remains the last goalie to lead the Flames to the playoffs, which occurred during the 2021-22 season. Meanwhile, Wolf has cemented his place at the top of the depth thanks to a seven-year deal worth $52.5 million [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/dustin-wolf-signs-seven-year-52-5-million-extension-with-flames/], which he signed in the summer of 2025 following a stellar 29-16-8 record in his first year as a starter. So far, Wolf has collected a 52-45-11 record with a .904 SV% and 2.82 GAA over the past two seasons, while the Flames have tumbled down the standings, finishing with the NHL's fourth-worst record at 34-39-9. On the other side of the country, Markström backed New Jersey to a playoff appearance in 2024-25 with a 26-16-6 record, but the Devils lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games. Since leaving Alberta, his record is 49-35-7 with an eye-popping .892 SV% and 2.76 GAA. Despite two winning seasons, it appears the Devils are ready to move on from Markström and his $6 million annual salary. In addition to opening up the starting role for Wolf to slide into, the Flames also acquired Bahl, who scored a career-high 20 points in his first season in Calgary. The organization liked what they had in Bahl, who turns 26 at the end of June, agreeing to a six-year extension worth $32.1 million [https://www.nhl.com/news/kevin-bahl-signs-6-year-contract-with-calgary-flames]. Regarding the final piece of the trade, the Flames also acquired New Jersey's first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, which turned out to be Cole Reschny [https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/577070/cole-reschny]. Right now, the 19-year-old is playing at the University of North Dakota, coming off a first year in which he scored 9 goals and 35 points. There's an argument to be made that in the short term, both teams won this trade, since Wolf became the undisputed No. 1 and the Devils went to the playoffs. However, the Flames have stumbled due to a lack of star power compared to Markström's days, and now, after a subpar performance last year, the Devils want to explore another option. By the time we discuss this trade at the five- or ten-year mark, the Flames will be the ultimate winner, especially with Wolf and Bahl locked up long-term. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What do you remember about the Markström trade? Do you think the Flames are the long term winners of this blockbuster? Let us know in the comments.
