The Calgary Flames trade talk is starting to reheat as the NHL offseason is quickly approaching.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported on Thursday that the Flames and New Jersey Devils have re-engaged in talks on a potential Jacob Markstrom trade. The biggest part of the news is that the Devils are not the only team that has expressed interest in the Flames number on goaltender.
Here we go again
Markstrom has been strapped to a roller coaster of emotions the last few months as he has dealt with a wealth of rumors and drama around his status with the team. From almost being traded, to staying put, to supposedly mending the fence, his name is back on the market.
Here is what LeBrun had to say:
“Those conversations with the Flames have taken up again. We know that those two teams almost had a deal done before the trade deadline earlier this season before March 8. It fell apart, but the Devils remain interested in Jacob Markstrom and as importantly, Jacob Markstrom has a full no-move, but my understanding is he’s willing to go to New Jersey
There are other teams now that weren’t there on Markstrom before the trade deadline that have now entered the picture. The Flames are getting calls from multiple teams on Markstrom, not just from the Devils… At this point in time, there’s still a difference of opinion on the return, on what it should cost the Devils to get Jacob Markstrom out of Calgary and the Flames are willing to be patient in terms of having a team meet their price.”
This looks to be more good news for Flames fans. Not because they want to get rid of Markstrom, as he has been a fan favorite, but more that the market for the player is still there and growing. Many feared that after the deadline his value would drop, but in fact it looks like it has only gotten better.
His full no-move clause (NMC) may halt a trade to other teams, but if the Flames are holding firm on a price with New Jersey then this again could help with the team getting full value out of him and his remaining two years left on his contract.
The hope is that the Flames can find a way to shed his full $6M contract, potentially get the 10th overall selection from New Jersey, and open a spot for Dustin Wolf to play full time in the NHL next season.
Members of the media more closely connected to the Flames including Sportsnet’s Pat Steinberg have suggested that if the Flames do move Markstrom to the Devils and want to acquire the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft in return, the Flames may have to add to the deal, potentially even as much as their second first-round pick previously acquired from Vancouver.
This is a massive situation to watch unfold over the next few weeks approaching the NHL Draft.
