Jacob Markstrom All But Confirms He Was Heading to New Jersey

One of the hottest NHL Trade Rumors of this past season was Jacob Markstrom being traded from the Calgary Flames to the New Jersey Devils. However, it was more than just a rumor. A trade was in place to send Markstrom to the Devils until there was not.

Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom confirmed he was going to New Jersey when he met the media last week.

He would not discuss the details of the trade or how close it was to happen, but Markstrom did say he addressed the team after the Chris Tanev deal and the surrounding reports and rumours of his future in Calgary.

“Obviously, I’m here now,” Markstrom said. Then, after reports of a potential deal with the Devils became public, he addressed his teammates as a group.

Jacob Markstrom was clear on one thing from the start of this whole process. Do not bring him a trade unless it is real. Markstrom controlled where he could go based on his no-trade clause. When General Manager Craig Conroy brought the proposed deal to Markstrom, the Flames goaltender had no issues going to New Jersey.

Thus, he had decided that he would be traded. New Jersey was going to be the destination. When it did not happen, you could tell Markstrom was not happy. You could tell all the trade speculation had gotten to him.

“All the rambling could’ve been not happening,” Markstrom said. “All the talks and stuff going on throughout the season, starting early in the season till the [trade] deadline day, they pretty much could’ve been not happening and me just focusing on hockey. That’s what I would have appreciated because obviously I’m still here.”

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We know the Devils wanted Jacob Markstrom. They still want him because he fills a position of need. The Devils need a number-one goalie. Markstrom has a proven track record, and he wants to win.