Calgary's Jacob Markstrom Reportedly Waived NTC for Trade that Fell Through

PUBLICATION

TJ Tucker
February 13, 2024 (1:16 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

It certainly would have been a blockbuster move, but reportedly fell through before the deal could be made official. It was so close that the key piece in the exchange had already waived his no-trade clause.

Reports from Insider Frank Seravalli and Elliotte Friedman say Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom was extremely close to being traded to the New Jersey Devils recently, a team that has been looking for help between the pipes for some time.

"I think the Devils and Flames were pretty far down the track on a Markstrom deal. I think it did get to his level to approve it, there were no issues there. Somehow along the way, that trade was scuttled. Don't know how & don't know why. But, they were pretty close to nailing it down. You would have seen Jacob Markstrom become a New Jersey Devil, I think at some point last week." - Frank Seravalli

Friedman is confidant he knows the reason why the deal fell through, adding that the Devils wanted Calgary to retain some of Markstrom's salary, something the Flames weren't willing to do. Seravalli believes the trade is dead and the Devils won't be circling back.

"Can this be revisited? My answer is probably not based on the way it played out. And two, now what? Is there another team that would be willing to step up and pay what would be a pretty significant price in order for Calgary to reshape their goaltending scenario?"

Markstrom, 34, will likely be dealt at or before this year's trade deadline. There will be plenty of interest in the number one goaltender from contenders looking to make a run at the Stanley Cup. It seems they'll need to be able to pay his entire salary, though.