This is a deal that has been brewing since the 2024 NHL trade deadline, but now the Calgary Flames have officially traded goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Unsurprisingly, the deal is with the New Jersey Devils, who were the team set to acquire the veteran before the front office stepped in to nix the deal.
The news was first broken by TSN's Travis Yost, confirming the news that Flames fans have patiently been waiting for;
Believe Calgary’s Jakob Markstrom is being traded to New Jersey.
— Travis Yost (@travisyost) June 19, 2024
Now, it has been confirmed that this is what the package looks like for the Flames, who continue to move out veterans in the pursuit of a potential rebuild;
Trade Details:
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 19, 2024
To #njdevils: G Jacob Markstrom
To #Flames: NJD 2025 1st Round Pick*, D Kevin Bahl#Flames are retaining 30% on Markstrom, knocking Markstrom down to $4 mil AAV. CGY avoids July 1 SB.
*Pick is Top 10 protected.
Markstrom waived his 'no-trade' clause.
Calgary receives: D Kevin Bahl, 2025 first-round pick (top-10 protected).
New Jersey receives: G Jacob Markstrom (31.25% retained.
TRADE ALERT!
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) June 19, 2024
We have acquired a 2025 first round pick and defenceman Kevin Bahl from New Jersey!
Details: https://t.co/81UnsVUjVz pic.twitter.com/hzeeHAauuB
On paper, this works out as a solid deal for both parties, with the Devils getting a goaltender that can help them compete right now, while Calgary got yet another future first-round pick, as well as a solid depth defenseman. It may not look as exciting as some expected, but the Flames have shown their commitment to the rebuild and didn't hold onto Markstrom too long, so all in all, it could have been better, but it could have been much, much worse.