The Flames were rumoured to move Jacob Markstrom for quite some time. Prior to last year’s deadline, there were so many Markstrom to the Devils rumours that Markstrom was already looking at homes in New Jersey. The Flames ultimately decided to keep Markstrom at the deadline, which only further sparked rumours when Markstrom publicly called out the Flames hockey operations department.
Flash forward to the summer, and what we all knew would happen finally came to pass. Markstrom was sent to the Devils at 31.25% retained in exchange for defenceman Kevin Bahl and a top-10 protected 2025 1st round draft pick. Is was a big move for both squads, so who has come out as the winner so far? In reality, I think both teams are quite happy.
The Devils are flush with futures, so they could afford to shore up their goaltending
To be clear, I like this trade more from the Flames perspective so far. However, the Devils side of things is simple. Goaltending was a major issue for them last season. Markstrom hasn’t even been particularly great for them through 13 games. He ranks 36th out of 52 goalies that have played at least five games in terms of GSAx (Goals Saved Above Expected), per MoneyPuck.com, with a -1.0 GSAx. He has a .908 SV% and a 2.54 GAA, which is pretty good. In comparison to the Devils goalie tandem of Vitek Vanecek, Nico Daws, and Akira Schmid, who all didn’t have a save percentage above 0.900, Markstrom is miles better.
The Devils are also stacked on defence with the additions of Brett Pesce and Brendan Dillon in free agency and Johnathan Kovacevic via trade. Losing Bahl hurts, but it’s a price the Devils have one of the best bluelines in the league. They are also flush with young players and future assets, so losing their 2025 1st doesn’t hurt them much.
The Devils are top-ten in the league in points percentage and a record of 11-6-2 so far, which is a big jump from where they were last year. The Devils have praised Markstrom for being a solid veteran presence for an otherwise younger team.
Flames got two good assets back and don’t look like they miss Markstrom at all
For the Flames, goaltending has been the least of their problems. In fact, most would argue it’s the one thing keeping them afloat. Everyone came into the season thinking goaltending would be a let-down. But both Dustin Wolf and Dan Vladar have formed an excellent tandem so far. Healthy competition for the starters role has left both goalies at the top of their games. The most important part in trading Markstrom was giving Wolf full-time minutes in the NHL to see if he’s an elite goaltender in this league.
As for the return, Kevin Bahl has been awesome. He and Rasmus Andersson have formed an incredible pairing so far. It’s fallen back a bit in recent games, but that pairing is still outscoring opponents when they are on the ice. They’ve served as the squads go-to defensive pairing. And it’s worked.
For the Flames, getting back a 24-year old player and a 1st round draft pick for a 34-year old is perfect. Bahl gives them a young piece who would be a key player for many years to come. The Flames have a lack of promising left shot defenceman in their system. They also lack of defensive defenders. The 1st round draft pick also gives them an opportunity at drafting a future good piece, or moving that pick for another young player (a young centre, perhaps).
Everyone is a winner!
Everyone is quick to declare a winner whenever a trade happens. But in cases like this, it has worked out well for both sides. I still like this deal much better for the Flames, but it’s benefited both teams.
