The New Jersey Devils faced a significant setback in the 2023-24 season due to below-average goaltending. To address this issue, the team made it a priority to upgrade their goaltending position during the offseason. Their trade with the Calgary Flames for Jacob Markstrom represents a crucial step in this direction.
In exchange for Markstrom, the Devils traded defenseman Kevin Bahl and a top-10-protected first-round draft pick in 2025 to the Flames. Additionally, the Flames agreed to retain 31.5% of Markstrom’s salary for the remaining two years on his contract.
This trade marks the first major move of the NHL summer, and it is crucial to analyze how both general managers performed in this transaction. Let’s take a closer look at the trade grades for the deal between the Devils and the Flames.
The acquisition of Jacob Markstrom provides the Devils with a seasoned goaltender who has proven himself to be a reliable presence between the pipes. Markstrom’s experience and skill set will undoubtedly bolster the Devils’ goaltending depth and provide stability in net.
On the other side of the trade, the Flames receive defenseman Kevin Bahl and a future draft pick. While Bahl shows promise as a young defenseman, the Flames will have to wait to see his full potential. The first-round draft pick in 2025 also holds significant value, especially with the protection clause attached to it.
Overall, the trade between the Devils and the Flames appears to be a win-win situation for both teams. The Devils address their goaltending needs with the addition of Jacob Markstrom, while the Flames acquire valuable assets in return.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how Jacob Markstrom integrates into the Devils’ lineup and contributes to the team’s success. Similarly, the Flames will have to make the most of the assets they received in this trade to strengthen their roster for the future.
As the NHL offseason progresses, this trade sets the stage for potential future moves and reshapes the dynamics of the league. Both the Devils and the Flames have made strategic decisions to improve their respective teams, and only time will tell how these moves will impact their performance in the upcoming season.