NHL Rumors: Insider Chris Johnston claims Flames’ Jacob Markstrom likely headed to New Jersey Devils

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Jun 10, 2024 21:53 GMT

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom is heading to the New Jersey Devils, NHL insider Chris Johnston claims. Johnston discussed the topic on his podcast:

"I have to believe the New Jersey Devils get this done."

The quote reported by Devils insider Alex Chauvancy highlights New Jersey’s push to solidify their goaltending situation heading into next season. The Devils were picked to be a playoff contender this season but failed to make any significant improvements.

The disappointing season saw the dismissal of coach Lindy Ruff and the hiring of former Toronto Maple Leafs bench boss Sheldon Keefe. Additionally, the Devils traded for Jake Allen from the Montreal Canadiens at the trade deadline but feel more needs to be done.

As Chauvancy points out, the Devils are ready to go all-in on Markstrom:

"He (Johnston) is not reporting the trade framework is one, but it feels like all the ingredients are there to eventually get a trade done with New Jersey."

If that’s the case, a trade could happen leading up to the draft. With free agency looming on July 1, Devils’ GM Tom Fitzgerald would most likely want certainty in goal heading into the free agency signing period.

Thus far, there is no talk about what pieces could go from New Jersey to Calgary. It remains to be seen what assets the Devils will pay to get Jacob Markstrom on their roster for next season.

Jacob Markstrom to the Toronto Maple Leafs

Ruper McDonald at the Hockey Writers speculated about the possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs trading for Jacob Markstrom.

The deal makes sense, as the Maple Leafs don’t have a true number-one goaltender on their roster. The Maple Leafs have Joseph Woll signed through next season but don’t have much depth beyond that. Ilya Samsonov is a free agent, while stop-gap netminder Martin Jones is set to hit the market.

McDonald’s rationale behind this deal is Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving’s familiarity with Markstrom. Treliving signed Jacob Markstrom to his current deal when Treliving was the Calgary Flames’ GM. That connection may convince Markstrom to join the Maple Leafs for next season.

However, the potential deal is merely speculation at this point. The Flames’ asking price for Markstrom is likely high, and the Leafs may lack the pieces to make the deal work. Moreover, Markstrom is under contract for two more years at $6 million per season, according to PuckPedia. If the Leafs give up the pieces to get him, would the club sign Markstrom to a long-term extension in 2026?

These questions may deter the Maple Leafs from pulling the trigger on this deal, regardless of how much they need Markstrom.