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Panthers acquire Jacob Markstrom in trade with Devils
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- Panthers acquire Jacob Markstrom in trade with Devils
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The Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils are finalizing a trade that will send goaltender Jacob Markstrom back to where his career began in Sunrise, and Evan Rodrigues to Newark, as first reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on Tuesday morning.
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The full trade was later confirmed by The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun: "Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist and Ben Steeves to NJ in exchange for Jacob Markstrom and Angus Crookshank . That's the full Panthers -Devils deal."
New Jersey did not retain salary on Markstrom, whose two-year extension ($6M AAV) kicks in next season. He will try to replace Sergei Bobrovsky ; the Russian helped backstop Florida to three consecutive Finals appearances — and two Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025.
The Panthers have completely transformed their goalie room in a span of 24 hours after acquiring Akira Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday.
The 37-year-old Bobrovsky will be testing free agency, and could have a contract with a new team as soon as Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. ET. Barring another move, the Devils will turn to 35-year-old Jake Allen as their new starting netminder.
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"The writing was already on the wall, but the [Panthers] trades for Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid close the book on Sergei Bobrovsky time in Florida," reported TSN's Chris Johnston. "Bobrovsky hits the open market in 24 hours."
Bobrovsky spent seven seasons with Florida and cemented his place in franchise history after leading the Panthers to three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and back-to-back championships.
Markstrom had a tough 2025-26 in New Jersey, posting a 3.07 goals-against average and .883 save percentage in a non-playoff campaign for the Devils. He will look to rebound in front of a Panthers team that will be Stanley Cup or bust after acquiring Brady Tkachuk earlier this month.
The trade also suggests Florida was unwilling to commit to the long-term extension Bobrovsky reportedly sought entering free agency.
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Markstrom now returns to the organization that drafted him 18 years ago with the expectation of helping keep the Panthers among the Stanley Cup favorites in 2026-27. The 36-year-old is expected to take over as Florida's starting goaltender, with Schmid likely slotting in as the backup if the pending RFA signs a new contract with the club.
Related: Panthers acquire Akira Schmid from Golden Knights for 2028 draft pick
Related: Panthers trade rights to pending UFA to Ducks for potential Radko Gudas reunion
