When the New Jersey Devils traded for Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames in June, there were whispers that the Toronto Maple Leafs were also eyeing him.
In the end, he went to the Devils for a first-round pick in 2025 and defenseman Kevin Bahl. Making a move this big has the fans ecstatic about welcoming the new goaltender to New Jersey.
However, the big question now is, will Markstrom be the game-breaker that the Devils finally need to be a serious contender in the East? The answer is a resounding yes.
Markstrom still possesses top-tier skills, and joining a team aiming for the championship should enhance his performance. He will also have a stronger defensive core than he did with the Flames.
With the stronger defensive core that Tom Fitzgerald, the Devils' general manager, has built, bringing Markstrom on board could elevate them to the top of the Metro Division.
Last season, Markstrom went 23-23-2 with a 2.78 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage and two shutouts in 48 games this season
It's important to note that the Devils already have several game-changers on their roster, including Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, and Brett Pesce. Bringing in a proven starting goalie could be the missing element they need.
Only time will tell how he does this season, but for the sake of all Devils fans, the wait is finally over - the organization now has a true number-one goaltender.
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