The New Jersey Devils are in a bit of a pickle with their goaltending situation, and it seems like they're ready to shake things up. According to NHL insider Kevin Weekes, the team is gauging market interest in veteran goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who had a less-than-stellar 2025-26 season. This move comes as a surprise, given that Markstrom signed a two-year contract extension just last year, worth $12 million. But here's the catch: the Devils are now questioning their faith in him, which is a bit of a head-scratcher.
Markstrom's numbers from last season were certainly underwhelming. He appeared in 44 games, with a 23-19-1 record, a 3.07 goals-against average, and an .883 save percentage. But what's more concerning is that he ranked 88th out of 98 goaltenders in terms of goals saved above expected. To put that in perspective, he recorded just one shutout and only 17 quality starts, which is a significant drop-off from his impressive 2024-25 campaign with the Devils. This downturn in form contributed to the team's overall struggles and their absence from the playoffs.
The Swedish netminder's heavy workloads and inconsistency were exposed in several high-shot-volume games. For instance, he remained in goal for the full duration of a 9-0 loss to the New York Islanders, which is a bit of a red flag. It's as if the team is now reevaluating their decision to extend him, and it's easy to see why.
The Devils have two other goaltenders under contract: Jake Allen, who has four years remaining on his deal, and Nico Daws, a pending restricted free agent. This gives them some options, but it also means they're in a bit of a cap crunch. The new contract for Markstrom is creating some financial constraints, which is why they're now exploring trade scenarios. It's a strategic move to either upgrade the position or gain cap flexibility, but it also signals a lack of confidence in Markstrom's ability to bounce back.
From my perspective, the Devils are taking a calculated risk. They're trying to balance their roster and cap situation while also giving themselves options for the future. It's a delicate dance, and it's interesting to see how they navigate this situation. Personally, I think it's a smart move to explore trade scenarios, but it's also a bit of a gamble. Only time will tell if it pays off.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between Markstrom's 2024-25 campaign and his 2025-26 season. It's a stark reminder that even the best players can have off years, and it's up to the team to decide if they're willing to take a chance on him again. The Devils are in a bit of a pickle, but they're also in a position to make a bold move. It's a fascinating situation, and one that will be watched closely by NHL fans and analysts alike.
