Report: Jacob Markstrom Approved Trade, But Deal Died

The word was everywhere on Monday, that the Calgary Flames were in deep discussions on a deal that would send veteran starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils. But the netminder would have to waive his no-move clause and approve the trade first. That, apparently, was done.

For some reason, however, despite Markstrom's approval, the deal died, as noted by Daily Faceoff's hockey insider Frank Seravalli:

I think the Devils and Flames were pretty far down the track on a Markstrom deal. I think it did get to his level to approve it. There were no issues there. Somehow along the way, that trade was scuttled. Don't know how and don't know why. But they were pretty close to nailing it down. You would've seen Jacob Markstrom become a New Jersey Devil I think at some point last week.

The package would have included Swedish sniper Alexander Holtz, according to fellow insider Elliotte Friedman. He also believes that retention was likely the sticking point as Markstrom's $6 million cap hit is a hefty one. How much are the Flames willing to retain?

Markstrom has had a solid season in the crease for the Flames, posting a .916 save percentage, and a 2.50 goals against average. In 14 NHL seasons, the 34-year-old has maintained a very strong .910 save percentage, with a 2.70 career GAA.

Perhaps this still gets revisited, or perhaps the Devils pivot, as they have also had interest in Columbus Blue Jackets netminder Elvis Merzlikins as well. They will remain on the hunt for help between the pipes.

Could another elite target like Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators even be a target for the Devils? They're obviously playing in the high-rent district in these talks to upgrade their goaltending situation, they just might give that a shot, too.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports