The recent NHL Trade Day saw some significant moves that will impact multiple teams in the league. One of the most notable trades involved the Calgary Flames trading star goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenceman Kevin Bahl and a top-10 protected 2025 pick.
Sportsnet’s Ryan Leslie discussed the motivation behind this trade on The Jeff Marek Show. According to Leslie, the Flames were looking to shake up their roster and address some defensive weaknesses by acquiring Bahl. While Markstrom has been a strong asset for the Flames, the team felt that they needed to make a change in order to improve their overall performance.
The addition of Bahl to the Flames’ defensive lineup is expected to bolster their back end and provide some much-needed support for their goaltenders. Bahl, a promising young defenceman, has shown potential in the past and could develop into a key player for the Flames in the future.
On the other side of the trade, the Devils are gaining a top-tier goaltender in Markstrom. With Markstrom between the pipes, the Devils’ goaltending situation is significantly strengthened, giving them a better chance to compete in the tough Metropolitan Division.
The inclusion of a top-10 protected 2025 pick in the trade adds an extra layer of intrigue. This pick could potentially turn into a valuable asset for either team, depending on how the 2025 draft class shapes up.
Overall, this trade has the potential to benefit both the Flames and the Devils in different ways. The Flames are hoping that the addition of Bahl will bolster their defence and help them make a playoff push, while the Devils are counting on Markstrom to solidify their goaltending and improve their chances of success in the upcoming season.
It will be interesting to see how this trade plays out in the long run and what impact it will have on both teams’ performances. As the NHL offseason continues, fans can expect more trades and roster moves as teams look to position themselves for success in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest NHL trades and acquisitions.