The domino has finally dropped, as what was supposed to happen by the trade deadline last season, happened during the offseason. Jacob Markstrom is officially a New Jersey Devil. The writing was on the wall for far too long, as it was practically a guarantee that Markstrom would not be back as a Calgary Flame next year. The only question was, would it be New Jersey, or would another team trade for him? Ultimately, the Flames trade details were as follows:
New Jersey Acquires:
- Jacob Markstrom ($1.875M retained)
Calgary Acquries:
- Kevin Bahl
- 2025 first-round draft pick (Top 10 protected)
What were Flames fans reactions to the trade? We asked, you answered.
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Reader Responses
Flames win the trade
Many who see this as a Flames win are probably putting weighting on the Flames adding $3M in cap space, and also finally passing the torch to Dustin Wolf. It’s been a long time coming for Dustin Wolf to finally get a full time job in the NHL, and this trade basically guarantees him a roster spot.
The Flames have finally committed to the future through this trade, and it’s something that many fans have been begging for. Bahl is also a 23-year-old defenceman who has a big body. He is a defensive defenceman, and with the departure of Chris Tanev, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Flames are betting on him to develop into a player who can provide a similar role.
Devils win the trade
The Devils added an elite goaltender with retained salary to a team that should be a Stanley Cup contender. That looks pretty good in my eyes! Sure the Devils really underperformed last year, but they also had practically no goaltending to help them out.
This seems like it was a massive piece for them to fill, and it’s a bonus that they didn’t have to add their top 10 pick from this year, or a prospect that has a lot of name value like Alexander Holtz.
Even trade for both teams
Most responses went to this option. Sure Markstrom is elite, but he can be very inconsistent, as it seems like he has one bad year, and then follows it up with one good year. Additionally, he is 34 years old, so who knows how long he will be able to keep up a high level of play.
With this considered, Calgary got a decent package back through getting a first-round pick along with a young defenceman. Would Flames fans liked to have seen the 10th overall pick come their way? Absolutely. However, I’m not sure how realistic that would have been.
Too soon to tell
A lot of this depends on how Markstrom performs and if he is able to keep up a high level of play, along with how Kevin Bahl develops as a player. It is very fair to say that it is too soon to judge who won this trade, and honestly, as with all hockey trades, this option is probably the correct option.
Usher in the youth movement
Just like that, the Flames are now being led in goal by Dustin Wolf. This is the goalie of the future for this team, and he will finally get a shot to show what he is truly capable at the NHL level.
A new generation of players is starting to enter the Flames franchise, and fans will have to get used to hearing the name Dustin Wolf for a long time.
Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire
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