Jacob Markstrom’s Struggles Leave Devils on Verge of Playoff Elimination
There was an case that could have been made in favor of New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald’s signing […]
Joe Puetz-Imagn Images There was an case that could have been made in favor of New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald’s signing goalie Jacob Markstrom to a two-year contract extension on Halloween. Yet, roughly five months later, it’s hard to argue that Markstrom has been the Devils’ most important player, and not in a good way. Markstrom has swiftly proven incapable of doing what he was acquired to, which was provide stability behind a potential championship-caliber roster.
So due to his season-long struggles in net, the Devils have just 0. 1% playoff odds with 10 games left. Jacob Markstrom Has Been Objectively Bad in 2025-26 Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images The Devils traded a first-round pick and a valuable player, defenseman Kevin Bahl, to the Calgary Flames for Markstrom in hopes the veteran would shore their goaltending.
After all, Markstrom finished eighth in Vezina Trophy voting in 2023-24, and the combo of Vitek Vanecek , Akira Schmid and Nico Daws teamed up to cost Lindy Ruff his job and leave the Devils 30th in save percentage (. 885%) that year. Markstrom did his job, helping the Devils make the playoffs in Year 1.
But in what was set to be his walk year, Markstrom started slowly, posting a . 830 save% in his first four starts before he signed the two-year, $12 million contract. The move, in theory, could have taken Markstrom’s mind off the potential uncertainty of pending free agency, especially in what could be his final contract.