A Season to Forget for Markstrom
The 2025‑26 campaign marked a steep decline for Jacob Markstrom, whose 3.07 goals‑against average and .883 save percentage represented the worst numbers of his career since the 2013‑14 season. The performance contributed to the Devils missing the playoffs, a result that has intensified scrutiny on the team’s roster construction heading into the offseason.
Adding a layer of complexity, Markstrom’s current contract includes a full no‑move clause that remains in effect until June 30. Once that date passes, his trade protection will downgrade to a 20‑team no‑trade list, narrowing the pool of clubs that can acquire him without his consent.
With the free‑agent market for starting goaltenders appearing unusually thin, the Devils could leverage Markstrom as a short‑term solution for teams seeking a veteran presence between the pipes. Sergei Bobrovsky emerges as the most notable name available, but his market remains limited, leaving New Jersey with limited external options.
If a trade were to materialize, the club would be left with a tandem of Jake Allen and Nico Daws, a combination that has not been tested at the NHL level for an extended stretch. The situation underscores the urgency for the front office to explore every avenue before the June deadline, lest they be forced to rely on an unproven partnership.
Beyond the immediate roster implications, moving Markstrom could free up valuable cap space, a factor that may influence other moves the Devils wish to make as they reshape the team for the upcoming season. While no deal is imminent, the conversation around Markstrom’s future remains a focal point of the club’s strategic planning.