On Wednesday morning, the New Jersey Devils acquired All-Star goalie Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames.
The native of Gavle, Sweden, joins his fourth NHL team after playing for the Florida Panthers (2010-2014), Vancouver Canucks (2014-2020), and Flames (2020-2024).
When he was dealt from the Panthers to Canucks on Mar. 4, 2014, he was traded with Shawn Mattias for Steven Anthony and future Hockey Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo.
In 14 seasons, Markstrom has played in 485 games, compiling a .443 win percentage thanks to a 215-196-57 record. As one of the more veteran goaltenders playing in the NHL today, here's a breakdown of where his statistics rank among his counterparts.
Markstrom is One of the NHL's Busiest Goalies
According to statistics from NHL.com, after the 2023-24 season, there are 121 active goalies in the league. At 34, it's no surprise that Markstrom ranks among the top 10 or 15 regarding several key goalie categories.
Heading into 2024-25, he's a lock to play in his 500th game, needing only 15 appearances. Meanwhile, if the Devils rebound with an outstanding campaign, there's a chance he will collect his 250th win, needing only 35.
- Games Played: 485 (10th)
- Wins: 215 (11th)
- Losses: 196 (7th)
- OT Losses: 57 (7th)
- Shutouts: 20 (19th)
- Total Ice Time: 27,834:32 (9th)
In 14 seasons, Markstrom has only twice participated in the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2020 and 2022. Considering the teams he's played for rarely qualify for the postseason, that usually means their regular seasons can be a long grind.
- Shots Against 13,892 (12th)
- Saves: 12,267 (12th)
- Goals Against: 1,265 (9th)
- SV%: .909 (47th)
- GAA: 2.73 (41st)
Markstrom enjoys playing the puck and has accumulated 19 assists thus far, which ranks fourth overall. He's not shy about engaging with players in his crease area, and with 42 penalties, he has the sixth-most penalties by a goalie.
As mentioned, Markstrom has played in only 26 playoff games. With the Canucks (2020) and Flames (2022), he's led his team into the second round both times but has never played in the third round. Here's a breakdown of his playoff statistics.
- Games Played: 26 (22nd)
- Wins: 13 (19th)
- Losses: 13 (21st)
- Shutouts: 2 (23rd)
- Total Ice Time: 1,553:38 (20th)
- Shots Against 845 (18th)
- Saves: 770 (17th)
- Goals Against: 75 (18th)
- SV%: .911 (35th)
- GAA: 2.90 (46th)
Markstrom's trophy case is still empty, coming close to winning the Vezina Trophy but finishing second in 2022 behind New York Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin. He also finished fourth in voting in 2020 and 10th in 2019.
Markstrom played in the 2020 All-Star Game and was named a post-season All-Star in 2022.
Markstrom's Advanced Statistics and Rankings Among Sweden Netminders
According to his profile at Hockey-Reference, here's a breakdown of Markstrom's advanced statistics regarding even strength and special teams situations.
- EV Shots Against: 11,412
- EV Goals Against: 963
- EV SV%: .916
- PP Shots Against: 1,981
- PP Goals Against: 261
- PP SV%: .868
- SH Shots Against: 422
- SH Goals Against: 38
- SH SV%: .910
- xGA: 794.0
- sxSA: 4,994
- scGA: 612
- scSV%: .887
- HDscSA: 1,516
- HDscGA: 287
- HDscSV%: .811
As of 2024, Markstrom is the most veteran Swedish-born netminder in the NHL, ahead of Robin Lehner (364 games) and Linus Ullmark (247), the only goalies with over 200 games in the league.
Of course, Markstrom is the leader in every statistical category, except he hasn't won any hardware like Lehner, a two-time William M. Jennings Trophy winner and a former Bill Masterton Trophy recipient.
Meanwhile, Ullmark won the Vezina and Jennings Trophies in 2023 as part of a historic season with the Boston Bruins. Out of all the Nordic goalies in the NHL today, no one has their name on the Stanley Cup.
Regarding Markstrom's place in Swedish goalie history, he's chasing only two names ahead of him in several categories: Hall of Famer Henrik Lundqvist and Tommy Salo.
Outside of SV% and GAA, Markstrom ranks in the top three or top two in most important statistics, such as games played, wins, losses, saves, shots against, goals against, points, and penalty minutes.
As part of the blockbuster announced on Wednesday, the Flames agreed to retain 31.25% of Markstrom's $6 million salary, allowing the Devils some room under the salary cap to continue building their roster.
Given a fresh start for the fourth time in his career, Devils fans can expect a lot from their new number-one goalie, who will be out to prove he can lead a contending team on a deep playoff run.
Even if that doesn't happen in year one, everyone should expect him to be a workhorse and give New Jersey his best every night.
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