What's Happening?
The Florida Panthers have reacquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils in a five-player trade. The Panthers received Markstrom and forward Angus Crookshank, while sending forwards Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and prospect Ben Steeves
to the Devils. Markstrom, originally drafted by the Panthers in 2008, has had a notable career with various teams, including the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames. In the 2025-26 season, he posted a 23-19-1 record with a 3.07 goals-against average and a .883 save percentage for the Devils. The Panthers' president of hockey operations, Bill Zito, expressed excitement about Markstrom's return, highlighting his leadership and competitive drive.
Why It's Important?
This trade marks a significant roster change for the Panthers, who are looking to strengthen their goaltending lineup. With the acquisition of Markstrom and Akira Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights, the Panthers are likely moving on from veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The Panthers, who missed the playoffs for the first time in seven years, are making strategic moves to rebuild their team and return to competitive form. The trade also impacts the Devils, who are in a rebuilding phase under new GM Sunny Mehta, as they acquire young talent and prospects to bolster their future lineup.
What's Next?
The Panthers will need to integrate Markstrom and Crookshank into their team dynamics as they prepare for the upcoming season. With Bobrovsky's potential departure, the Panthers will rely on their new goaltending duo to improve their defensive performance. The Devils, on the other hand, will focus on developing their newly acquired players and continue their rebuilding efforts. Both teams will be closely watched as they navigate the offseason and make further roster adjustments.
