MARKSTROM MOVED TO NEW JERSEY!
The New Jersey Devils acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames for defenseman Kevin Bahl and a conditional first-round draft pick in 2025.
What does it give the New Jersey Devils
For New Jersey, this trade plugs their biggest hole: a true starting netminder. Markstrom will team with fellow veteran Jake Allen on the Devils, with Akira Schmid and Nico Daws waiting in the wings. Jersey has playoff aspirations (and beyond) in 2024-25, after failing to make the postseason in '23-24, so adding Markstrom gives them a far greater shot.
What does it give the Calgary Flames
For the Flames, this is a good deal from an assets standpoint. They are moving on from an aging (albeit quality) goalkeeper and getting back a big, stout defenseman in Bahl and a first-rounder in '25. Could Calgary have gotten more? Considering Markstrom's age and trade protection, probably not. With Markstrom gone, prospect Dustin Wolf gets his big break.
Fantasy impact
Markstrom fantasy keeper owners should be happy with this trade, but perhaps not as much as Wolf fantasy keeper owners! Both goaltenders should have far more value after this trade, for very different reasons: Markstrom should now play for a contending team in '24-25, while Wolf should now become a full-time NHL goaltender. As for Bahl, his value is limited no matter where he plays.
