Full Breakdown
Jacob Markstrom Returns to Florida in a Five-Player Deal
7/1/2026, 1:15:17 AM
Trade Overview
On June 30, 2026 the Florida Panthers acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom and forward Angus Crookshank from the New Jersey Devils. In return the Devils received forwards Evan Rodrigues and Jesper Boqvist, plus prospect forward Ben Steeves. New Jersey retained no salary on Markstrom’s two-year, $6 million AAV contract; Crookshank carries an $850 k cap hit.
Background & Context
The Panthers entered the offseason without a clear starter after Sergei Bobrovsky’s seven-year, $70 million deal expires on July 1. A day earlier they added backup Akira Schmid from Vegas, signaling a shift away from Bobrovsky. Markstrom, drafted 31st overall by Florida in 2008, spent four early seasons in Sunrise, was traded to Vancouver in 2014, then signed a six-year, $36 million contract with Calgary in 2020 before being dealt to New Jersey in 2024.
Key Players & Contracts
- Jacob Markstrom (36): 2-year, $6 M AAV; 2025-26 with the Devils – 23-19-1, 3.07 GAA, .883 SV%.
- Angus Crookshank (26): 2-year, $850 k AAV; 1 NHL goal, 24 AHL goals in 2025-26.
- Evan Rodrigues (32): 1-year left, $3.075 M AAV; 31 points (11-20) in 69 games, two Stanley Cups.
- Jesper Boqvist (27): 1-year, $1.5 M AAV; 13 points in 73 games, 2025 Cup winner.
- Ben Steeves (24): AHL scorer (45 points in 2025-26); restricted-free-agent prospect.
Data & Statistics
Markstrom’s 2025-26 season is reported as a 23-19-1 record with a 3.07 GAA and .883 SV% (ESPN, Sportsnet, TSN). FTW cites a .892 SV% and a 49-35-7 record, highlighting a statistical discrepancy. Over 578 career games he is 264-231-64 with a .907 SV% and 2.73 GAA. Rodrigues posted 31 points in 69 games; Boqvist added 13 points; Steeves tallied 45 AHL points.
Impact & Implications
For Florida, Markstrom is expected to assume the starter role, while Schmid provides depth. The trade effectively ends Bobrovsky’s tenure, leaving him a free agent with interest from Toronto, Edmonton, Carolina and San Jose. New Jersey clears $6 M of cap space, gains versatile forward depth, and retains flexibility around Jake Allen and Nico Daws in goal.
Official Statements & Responses
Panthers president of hockey operations and GM Bill Zito said the club “is excited for him to compete alongside our established group and return to South Florida.” He also thanked “Evan and Jesper for their contributions to our organization.” Devils GM Sunny Mehta announced the transaction without a quoted remark.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note Markstrom’s .883 SV% placed him below league average and question his ability to replace a two-time Vezina winner. Daily Faceoff described the move as “a calculated risk for Florida” and warned that “Markstrom has had a bipolar career, even by goalie standards.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Markstrom’s 2025-26 save percentage (.883 vs. .892) and win-loss record (23-19-1 vs. 49-35-7). No consensus exists on his exact performance metrics, and his health status after a 2025 knee injury remains unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Jacob is an established veteran leader in this league who possesses size and a relentless drive to win,” — Bill Zito, Panthers GM
- “We are excited for him to compete alongside our established group and return to South Florida.” — Bill Zito
- “We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to Evan and Jesper for their contributions to our organization,” — Bill Zito
- “Markstrom has had a bipolar career, even by goalie standards.” — Daily Faceoff analysis
- “Panthers grade: C+ This is a calculated risk for Florida.” — Daily Faceoff analysis
What’s Next
Bobrovsky becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Panthers will evaluate Markstrom in preseason and decide his starter status alongside Schmid. The Devils must address their goaltending depth beyond Allen, potentially exploring free-agent or trade options.
