Four reasons the Calgary Flames need to trade Jacob Markstrom this summer
By Nathan Smith
Markstrom's trade value may never be higher
After a blistering start to the 2023-24 campaign following a poor showing the season before, Jacob Markstrom's trade value was simply never higher than it was at the trade deadline. That was the best time to move him, and for the same reason, this summer is now the best time to make a deal, because if the Flames hold onto him for the remainder of the off-season heading into 2024-25, his value is likely to go down once more.
Sure, he could start the season red-hot, but given teams like New Jersey, Los Angeles, Toronto, Buffalo, Detroit, Carolina and many others are in need of goaltending help, they would be willing to pay much more to start the season than if he was a trade deadline acquisiton. With the 2024 NHL Draft upcoming, Markstrom's value could result in the Flames netting another pick, or pairing Markstrom with a pick to move up in the draft, but either way, Calgary will get the highest return by moving No. 25 in the next few months as opposed to the season.