Yahoo Sports Devils Hit Home Run Trading For Star Goalie
The 2023-24 season was disastrous for the New Jersey Devils. After going 52-22-8 in 2022-23, they finished last season with a 38-39-5 record and missed the post-season.
One major reason why the Devils took a step in the wrong direction last season was their inconsistent goaltending. Thus, their goal was to change that this past off-season, and they did by acquiring star goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames for a 2025 first-round pick and Kevin Bahl.
Now, as we start 2025, it is clear that this move has been a complete home run for the Devils.
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Markstrom has come as advertised, as he sports a 19-7-2 record, a 2.15 goals-against average, and a .912 save percentage in 28 appearances. The Devils are benefitting from his strong goaltending, as they sport a 24-14-3 record, and only the Washington Capitals currently have more points than them in the Eastern Conference.
However, what's more encouraging about Markstrom is that he is only getting better as the season rolls on. In the month of December, he posted an 8-1-1 record, a 1.30 goals-against average, a .937 save percentage, and two shutouts in 10 games. With this, he was named the NHL's Third Star of the Month.
Overall, Markstrom has provided the Devils with the goaltending they desperately needed. Because of this, they are a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference, and they did not necessarily need to give up a lot to get him. Thus, this move is turning out to be a magnificent one for the Devils. It will be fascinating to see how much more of an impact he makes from here.
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