The New Jersey Devils are in a bit of a pickle with their goaltending situation, and it seems like they're ready to shake things up. According to NHL insider Kevin Weekes, the team is gauging market interest in veteran goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who had a less-than-stellar 2025-26 season. This move comes as a surprise, given that Markstrom signed a two-year contract extension just last year, worth $12 million. But here's where it gets interesting: the Devils are questioning their faith in Markstrom, who has been a bit of a wild card since joining the team.
Markstrom's numbers from last season were underwhelming, to say the least. He posted a 23-19-1 record with a 3.07 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage, which is a significant drop from his impressive 2024-25 campaign. The Swedish netminder also struggled with consistency, facing heavy workloads and exposing vulnerabilities in high-shot-volume games. One particularly embarrassing moment was a 9-0 loss to the New York Islanders, where he remained in goal for the full duration of the rout.
The Devils' decision to explore trade scenarios is a bold move, especially considering the cap constraints they face. With Markstrom's new contract kicking in on July 1, the team is looking for ways to upgrade the position or gain cap flexibility. This signals a lack of trust in Markstrom's ability to bounce back and perform at a high level in the upcoming season.
The Devils have other options in net, including Jake Allen and Nico Daws, who is a pending restricted free agent. But the question remains: is Markstrom worth the investment, or is it time to move on? The team's internal discussions about the future of the crease in New Jersey are a sign that they're taking this situation seriously, and they're not afraid to make drastic changes if necessary.
In my opinion, the Devils' decision to explore trade scenarios is a smart move. It shows that they're proactive in addressing their weaknesses and are willing to make tough decisions to improve their roster. But it also raises the question: is Markstrom the right man for the job? The team's trust in him seems to be wavering, and it's up to them to decide whether to stick with him or move on to a new goaltender. Either way, it's clear that the Devils are ready to shake things up and take control of their destiny.
