In a bid to address their goaltending struggles, the New Jersey Devils have pulled off a significant trade, acquiring veteran netminder Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. The deal, finalized on Wednesday, sees the Devils part ways with a 2025 first-round pick and defenseman Kevin Bahl.

To sweeten the deal, the Flames have agreed to retain 31.25 percent of Markstrom's remaining contract. The pick itself is top-10 protected, ensuring that the Flames will only receive it if it falls outside of the top ten spots.

The 34-year-old Swedish goaltender has two more years left on his contract, worth $6 million per season. However, the Devils will only have a cap hit of $4.125 million annually.

Speaking to reporters via Zoom following the trade, Markstrom expressed his excitement about the new challenge and the opportunity to perform at his best. He believes that this move will bring out the finest in him on the ice.

Last season, Markstrom posted a 2.78 goals-against average (GAA) and a .905 save percentage in 48 games with the Flames. This marked an improvement from his previous season's performance in which he held a 2.92 GAA and .892 save percentage. Notably, Markstrom enjoyed his best year in the league two years ago, leading with a 2.22 GAA, a .922 save percentage, and an impressive nine shutouts.

The Devils, as a team, struggled with their goaltending throughout the 2023-24 season, boasting the fifth-worst save percentage (.896) and fifth-worst GAA (3.43) in the NHL. Vitek Vanecek led the Devils' goaltenders, appearing in 32 games and posting a 3.18 GAA with a .890 save percentage. Nico Daws, Akira Schmid, and Jake Allen also had similar GAA, ranging between 3.12 and 3.15 in their respective appearances.

Meanwhile, Allen, 33, who played 13 games for the Devils, has one year remaining on his contract with a $1.925 million cap hit.

In addition to the goaltending shake-up, the Devils also recently appointed Sheldon Keefe as their new head coach. Keefe joins the team after being relieved of his duties with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With Markstrom's arrival, the Devils hope to bolster their goaltending department and reclaim stability between the pipes. Time will tell if this move will bring the desired results and propel the Devils forward in their pursuit of success on the ice.