Yahoo Sports TNT Studio Panel Agree Jacob Markstrom Will Find Success in New Jersey
Which players who have changed teams over the summer are going to be the best fit and have the most success in their new environment?
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TNT Studio Panelists Anson Carter, Paul Bissonnette, and Eddie Olczyk answered that question on Monday during a virtual media session with a select few reporters.
Unsurprisingly, the first player mentioned was New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
"After six years, seven years, the Devils have finally taken the step to solidify, in my opinion, the goaltending position," Olczyk said. "I think (Markstrom) has the ability to make the Devils a final-four team in the Eastern Conference. I think he has the ability to win a series or two.
"If Markstrom can be above average I think the Devils become a real dangerous team," he continued.
Bissonnette agreed and credited general manager Tom Fitzgerald with providing his team with two reliable goaltenders.
"I agree with Olczyk on the New Jersey front," he said, "especially in the fact that they also got Jake Allen as well. Not only solidifying it with Markstrom, but also a real competent backup. I think you would be hard-pressed to find a general manager who had a better off-season and addressed needs more than Fitzgerald, especially adding (Brenden) Dillon on the back end and (Brett) Pesce as well. They look really strong."
Markstrom and Allen each earned a victory in the 2024 NHL Global Series. The former made 30 saves on 31 shots, while the latter made 17 saves on 18 shots.
Fitzgerald acquired Allen at the trade deadline in March and, at the time, shared that he still had work to do.
"We're looking at a potential tandem that's right up there in the league if I'm able to land one of these big fishes," he said.
That big fish was, of course, Markstrom - a goaltender who was on their radar for months.
On June 19, 2024, Fitzgerald landed his big fish when he sent defenseman Kevin Bahl and a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to the Calgary Flames.
The Devils entered the 2024-25 season with two goaltenders combined with 916 games of experience. With a bolstered blue line and veterans in the crease, the Devils are in the position to not only earn a playoff spot but make a run in the postseason.
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