A Deal That Moves Pieces Across the AHL and NHL
The Florida Panthers announced a trade that sends forward Ben Steeves to the New Jersey Devils, while the Devils return Jacob Markstrom to Florida along with Evan Rodrigues and Jesper Boqvist. The move also brings Angus Crookshank into the Panthers organization, adding a proven AHL goal‑scorer to the mix.
Steeves, 24, had been the Checkers' leading scorer last season with 23 goals and 45 points in 78 games. His contributions extended beyond the scoresheet; he earned the Checkers' Man of the Year award twice for his work in the Charlotte community, underscoring his value as both a player and a citizen.
Crookshank, a fifth‑round pick of the Ottawa Senators in 2018, arrives in Florida after four full AHL seasons in which he topped his team in goals each year. In 262 AHL games he has accumulated 185 points, and he has also appeared in 29 NHL contests, giving the Panthers a blend of experience and scoring depth.
The trade highlights the fluidity of player movement between the AHL and NHL, especially as teams look to bolster rosters ahead of the upcoming season. For the Panthers, acquiring Markstrom adds a seasoned net‑minder, while Crookshank’s contract guarantees his presence for the next campaign.