Updated
Updated · Baltimore Sun · Jun 30
Panthers Acquire Jacob Markstrom in 5-Player Deal as Bobrovsky Nears Free Agency
Updated
Updated · Baltimore Sun · Jun 30

Panthers Acquire Jacob Markstrom in 5-Player Deal as Bobrovsky Nears Free Agency

3 articles · Updated · Baltimore Sun · Jun 30

Summary

  • Florida landed 36-year-old goalie Jacob Markstrom and winger Angus Crookshank from New Jersey, sending Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist and Ben Steeves’ rights the other way.
  • The move came a day after Florida acquired Akira Schmid from Vegas, a two-goalie overhaul that strongly points to Sergei Bobrovsky’s exit when free agency opens Wednesday.
  • Markstrom returns to the franchise where he began his NHL career and arrives on a two-year contract carrying a $6 million annual cap hit.
  • Bobrovsky, 37, is coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup titles with Florida in 2024 and 2025 and is expected to be one of the top names on the market.
  • For New Jersey, the trade opens cap flexibility and leaves Jake Allen atop the crease, with the Devils likely to seek another goalie in free agency.

Insights

Did the Devils solve their salary cap issue only to create an even bigger problem in their net?
Can a goalie with rock-bottom stats last season truly be the answer for the Florida Panthers' playoff hopes?
Is this trade the new blueprint for GMs to escape bad contracts without sacrificing valuable draft picks?