The Calgary Flames had a great trade deadline this year, as they were able to get solid returns by trading Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev, but there was one name that they weren't able to move. That wasn't for a lack of trying however, as the team had a deal in place to send Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils, but it was ultimately nixed as the Flames ownership wanted to chase an unrealistic playoff spot in 2023-24.
Now, the off-season is upon us, and after Dustin Wolf took over as the Flames starter down the stretch, it appears they have found their direction with him as the starter, so a trade of Markstrom is now likely just a matter of time. Many would have believed that at the deadline too before ownership stepped in, but now a trade has to happen, and today we will outline three reasons why the Flames can not go into the 2024-25 season with Jacob Markstrom in net.