The Calgary Flames have made a bold move by trading star goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils. This trade signals the beginning of a rebuilding phase for the Flames, as they look to shake up their roster and acquire assets for the future.
In exchange for Markstrom, the Flames received defenceman Kevin Bahl and a top-10 protected 2025 pick from the Devils. This trade shows that the Flames are prioritizing building for the future rather than focusing on the present.
Sportsnet’s Ryan Leslie discussed the motivation behind this trade on The Jeff Marek Show. He highlighted the Flames’ desire to retool their roster and acquire young talent that can help them compete in the long term. While Markstrom was a key player for the Flames, the team decided that it was time to make a change and start fresh.
The addition of Kevin Bahl gives the Flames a promising young defenceman who can help bolster their blue line in the coming years. Bahl is known for his size and physicality, which will bring a different element to the Flames’ defensive core.
In addition to Bahl, the Flames also acquired a top-10 protected 2025 pick, which gives them another asset to use either in future trades or to draft a top prospect. This pick provides the Flames with flexibility and options as they continue to rebuild their roster.
Overall, this trade signifies a new direction for the Calgary Flames as they begin the process of rebuilding their team. While it may be tough to see a player like Jacob Markstrom go, the Flames are focused on the future and making moves that will set them up for long-term success. It will be interesting to see how this trade pans out for both teams in the years to come.