Insider Believes Devils Will Get Deal Done To Acquire Jacob Markstrom

The New Jersey Devils' biggest weakness and the main reason why the team missed the playoffs after such high expectations this season was due to goaltending. That was partially helped at the trade deadline with the acquisitions of Kaapo Kahkonen and Jake Allen.

This summer there is nothing holding the Devils back in their hunt for a top starting goaltender to complete their team.

Jacob Markstrom had waived his no-move clause at the deadline for New Jersey, but the Calgary Flames ended up keeping him. This didn't sit well with Markstrom and there is a very good feeling he will be traded this summer.

Chris Johnston said that "I have to believe the Devils get this done" regarding a Markstrom trade since they were so close. Now that the Flames should be willing to move their starter as the team continues to re-tool and get better for the future, the Devils are the most likely landing spot.

The Devils have cap space and Markstrom has a cap hit of $6 million AAV for two more years. This is a good contract to acquire with the money being fair and the length not being too long. New Jersey has to decide what they are to do with Nico Daws and Akira Schmid eventually though as it doesn't make too much sense to have both in the AHL this season after succeeding in the NHL in the past.

One of the young goalies who are still exempt from waivers for one more season could be part of a return if the Flames think going with two young goalies is a decent enough idea. It should cost at least a first-round pick for the Flames to send Markstrom to the Devils and with the desperation to get a number one goalie over to New Jersey, I expect this trade to get done sooner or later. The best option to get a top goalie this offseason is via trade.