Flames Reportedly Want 2 Serious Names In Markstrom Trade Talks With Devils

Trade talks involving Jacob Markstrom have now been picking up steam as the goalie is playing stellar hockey for the Calgary Flames and the team is still outside of the playoff picture and ready to sell other assets. At no other time will Markstrom's value be this high, and the Flames just might take advantage of it.

James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now believes that the Devils have shown interest in Markstrom, but the asking price has been significant, as it should be. The Flames are believed to have asked for Simon Nemec or Dawson Mercer in return, both of whom the Devils do not want to part with yet.

While the Devils had their breakout year last season, they are far from done being a Stanley Cup contender. Removing one of Nemec or Mercer would hurt their future, but it would also greatly help their chances at a Cup this season. Goaltending has been an issue and is what has held the team back.

This team has had problems with injuries, including a long-term injury to Dougie Hamilton and a series of injuries to Jack Hughes. Acquiring Markstrom would give the team a strong three-year window and then they would hope to either have Akira Schmid or Nico Daws emerge as the next best option by then.

The future on defence goes through Luke Hughes and Nemec, while there are quite a few strong forward options that the Devils could more easily recover from. If the teams get a deal done involving Markstrom, expect Mercer to be the one moved, if either. There will surely be other suitors and the Flames would be asking for a lot as well.