The NHL trade rumor mill is buzzing with controversy as insider Elliotte Friedman drops a bombshell, revealing serious discussions between the Calgary Flames and the New Jersey Devils regarding goaltender Jacob Markstrom. The Flames traveled to Newark to face off against the Devils, but it seems there was more than just a game on the line – substantial trade talks were in progress.
According to Sportsnet’s Friedman, Devils’ GM Tom Fitzgerald and Flames’ GM Craig Conroy had conversations about potentially acquiring the 34-year-old netminder. Friedman shared during “Saturday Headlines”:
“From what I understand, the two teams are not commenting. In the lead-up to that game, the two teams had legit conversations about the Calgary goalie.”
However, it remains uncertain whether Markstrom was aware of the trade discussions, raising the possibility that the talks were still in the preliminary stage. Friedman clarified:
“There are a couple of things I want to make clear here. No.1, I don’t know that this ever was taken to Markstrom. So, I don’t know if he ever got involved. But, I do think the two teams talked about this quite seriously, and I think there were a couple of issues.”
The Insider highlighted two major sticking points in the negotiations: the package required to secure Markstrom and the question of retention. Could these obstacles be overcome? Friedman expressed doubt, stating:
“I just heard it’s really tough to do, really difficult, and it stopped in its tracks. But, the two sides did talk, I believe there were some serious conversations, and we’ll see if it picks up. Although, it just sounds today like it’s unlikely.”
This revelation unveils the Devils’ active pursuit of improving their goaltending lineup. However, the pursuit of Markstrom seems to have hit a major roadblock, casting doubt on whether a trade will materialize in the near future.
Calgary Flames’ Impressive 5-3 Victory Over the Devils
In a thrilling game on Thursday, the Calgary Flames secured a 5-3 win over the Devils, showcasing their offensive firepower. Connor Zary and Andrew Mangiapane both played pivotal roles, contributing with a goal and an assist each. Mikael Backlund, Kevin Rooney, and Andrei Kuzmenko also made their mark by adding goals to the Flames’ impressive tally. Not to be overlooked, Jacob Markstrom delivered a stellar performance, making an outstanding 37 saves. Furthermore, defenseman Noah Hanifan provided crucial support with two assists for the Flames.
On the Devils’ side, Ondřej Palát displayed his scoring prowess, netting two goals, while Nico Hischier impressively scored a short-handed breakaway goal.
Editors Insights
As the NHL trade rumors continue to swirl, the fate of Jacob Markstrom’s potential move remains uncertain. The Flames and Devils may have engaged in serious discussions, but hurdles and complications have arisen, casting doubt on the realization of this controversial trade. Only time will tell what the future holds for these teams and their pursuit of enhancing their goaltending strengths. So let’s connected and stay active for more NHL live news and surprises to know what’s next exciting. So stay tuned for more updates.
