Insider: Flames & Devils Could Pull Off Blockbuster Of Even Greater Proportions

We learned last week that Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom gave his thumb's up to a proposed trade to the New Jersey Devils, waiving his no-trade clause. But that deal fell through.

But according to insider Jeff Marek of Sportsnet, he feels that a potential blockbuster deal between the Flames and the Devils of even greater proportions could still be revived.

Am I alone in thinking the New Jersey Devils could be the team to pull off a major blockbuster here and bring in both (Noah Hanifin) and (Markstrom) from the Flames? The Devils have attractive young players, prospects and picks to get something massive like this done, I just wonder if Calgary has the desire to retain money on Markstrom. 

Indeed, it was reported last week by fellow insider Frank Seravalli that retention was likely the sticking point in that failed trade attempt. Markstrom carries a $6 million cap hit, and that would be tough for any team to swallow—even the Devils, who currently have over $10 million in cap space available. 

But at the same time, that expansive cap room for New Jersey could also lead the way to getting something huge done along the lines of what Marek has suggested. But Calgary retaining a large amount like that (be it 50% or something a bit lower), he says, will come at a cost for the Devils—perhaps even a first-round pick. Will they be prepared to pony that up?

Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this weekend that Hanifin has informed the Flames that he will not be re-signing with them, and that he is definitively heading to the trade market. He immediately becomes the top blueliner available before the March 8th deadline.

It remains to be seen if the Devils can re-open negotiations with Calgary. 

Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports