The New Jersey Devils’ goaltending is in the best shape it has been in a long time. After the first day of training camp, it sounds like they’re trying to ensure it stays that way for the next little while.
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After the Devils hit the ice for day one, it was revealed that Jacob Markstrom was not in attendance due to a personal, family matter.
However, it was revealed by Devils general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, that he and the Swedish netminder are talking about a contract extension.
“Jacob Markstrom is another one that wanted to be here in New Jersey,” Fitzgerald explained. “He chose us. I was able to get a deal done a year and a half ago, and we’re talking right now on extending Jacob. We would love nothing but for him and Amanda and their family to be here beyond this year. And he knows our love for him and his love for this area.”
It makes all the sense in the world for the Devils to work on an extension with the veteran goaltender. Jake Allen inked a five-year extension over the summer, and the Devils are confident in the tandem while prospects such as Mikhail Yegorov and Jakub Malek season in the minors and NCAA.
Plus, Markstrom explained he would like to stay before the team broke up for the summer.
“When you have two veterans like that, it might be a luxury, but they give us a chance every night, and that’s all we’re trying to ask out of our goaltenders, is just give us a chance,” Fitzgerald continued.
Markstrom had a strong first season in New Jersey after he was acquired from Calgary in exchange for Kevin Bahl and a first round draft pick. The 35-year-old goaltender posted a 26-16-6 record, while registering four shutouts, a 2.50 GAA and .900 SV% in 49 games.
Allen matched Markstrom’s four shutouts, recording a 13-16-1 record, 2.66 GAA, and .906 SV% in 31 games.
