The New Jersey Devils and Jacob Markstrom have come to terms on a two-year, $12 million extension.
As opposed to recent reports that the two sides were seeking a long-term deal, general manager Tom Fitzgerald fits in the 35-year-old netminder short-term.
On the latest episode of Devils Rink Report with James Nichols, Arthur Staple was bang on with his analysis of the term, and why that’s okay for the Devils.
“The reason that it [wasn’t] done yet was because the Devils were probably trying to hold the line on term here,” Staple explained. “Keep it to two or three years. I’m sure the player wants four years or more. We’re seeing lots of eight-year deals come out in the recent days. Martin Necas, etc. I think goalies are trending in the other direction at the moment.
“You’re probably hoping for the two or three year term here at whatever reasonable number. It could be $6 million or something in that range. You do want to leave yourself a little bit flexible.”
The short-term commitment to Markstrom leaves the Devils flexible. In a rising cap situation, New Jersey is only committed to $7.8 million over the next two seasons, with Markstrom’s cap hit remaining exactly as it was.
Markstrom has not instilled much confidence in the early goings of the season, but as Staple explains, he’s the guy in New Jersey. He
“It’s a long season, and he’s been out for a few weeks. I don’t disagree with Sheldon Keefe’s and the coaching staff’s thinking process [to start him against Colorado],” Staple explained. “Even before the injury, and maybe it was because of the injury, you didn’t see really good stuff from Markstrom in the early going in just a couple of starts before he ended up leaving for a couple of weeks with the lower body injury. So, he works his way back. Jake Allen’s been a stalwart in there. Nico Daws had a great start, but Jacob Markstrom his number one goalie.”
Staple then went on to explain if it wasn’t Markstrom, Nico Daws, although appearing capable, remains unproven. If it doesn’t work out with the 24-year-old netminder, then where do they turn without Markstrom?
“You also have to keep an eye to see who else is out there,” Staple continued. “I think that little stretch with Allen and Daws where they were able to not only hold down the fort, but win some games with good goaltending, that puts some pressure on Markstrom here to perform and keep this team as well as it’s been.”
Many were down on Markstrom after his start against the Colorado Avalanche. He didn’t help himself with a quick penalty to start the game earlier in the week. Yet, Staple explains the beat down on the Devils wasn’t solely on Markstrom.
“I’m sure he was feeling like he was raring to go,” said Staple. “So, you don’t want to create a soft landing for him. He’s the guy. If you want him to be the guy, you got to face off against the best.”
“Even though he didn’t look great in that game, I think I tweeted it out according to Clear Sight Analytics, my favorite go-to data site, 16 high danger chances for the Avs. No one’s standing up to that, especially with the guys who are delivering those high danger chances on the Avs, where you’ve got Nathan Mackinnon, Cale Makar, Necas, the list goes on. It’s a high-powered offense, and when you give them free rein, especially in transition like they did in the first half of that game, may rest in peace, but Ken Dryden in his prime isn’t stopping any of those either or Martin Brodeur in his prime, you know, if we want to keep it local. So you know, it was a tough spot for sure. But I think now with the three and four, you have to balance it out, in LA and Southern California.”
The Devils have their goaltending set for the next two seasons. By then, New Jersey’s management is expecting one of Mikhail Yegorov or Jakub Malek to compete for a job in the NHL. The deal gives the high-profile goaltending prospects time to develop, while ensuring quality goaltending in the Devils’ competing window.
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