I’m satisfied with markstrom especially for what we gave up and the salary retained. Bahl( like the dude but he can be replaced) and hopefully a late 1st rd pick to solidify our goaltending position the next two years is a no brainer decision. Saros would cost more and take up a lot of our cap space immediately after getting him. Now we can add more depth on D and in the bottom six with all cap space we have and we desperately need more the depth.
ilovemyar15
We can’t realistically afford that either, so whatever.
FilmNerdasaurus
The goaltender market is gonna be vastly different in 2 seasons with who may be available or who develops. Unless the devils for a can’t miss guy to lock up long term I’m ok kicking the can down the road even though I rather wish we got a long term solution. For this price it was good
Njdevilmn
My guess is (and I could be way off here) is that If we had even average goaltending we would have been a playoff team this year. Now does Markstrom make us better? Yes! Does he make us an instant cup contender??? I don’t think so.
I still we need help in the bottom 6 and in the back end. There were way too many defensive breakdowns that led to great scoring chances (and goals against).
I think Fitz paid a fair price for Markstrom. I’m guessing the price would have been much higher for Saros and Ulmark plus the money it would have cost to retain each. I’m expecting Fitz to use the extra cap to pick up a solid bottom 6 piece and 2nd or 3rd pair defenseman.
Mad_Burrito_Slinger
Am I overly thrilled that Markstrom was the goalie they got? No. But I’d imagine Saros would’ve cost at least the first round pick from this year+prospects and the same could be said for Ullmark. Given that the first round pick is top ten protected AND they retained salary, I ain’t going to complain.
I know you have to give up someone/something good to get it in return. That being said, the price for Saros or Ullmark probably would’ve been way too much. Assuming that Markstrom has two good years with the Devils and they are able to get into the playoffs, that 2025 first round pick value drops off a bit too. As long as markstrom plays like a starting goalie and not an AHL call up all season I think they’ll be fine. Overall, don’t love it but I don’t hate it either.
TeamCrimsonRed
We didn’t want Hellyebuck for that price, I don’t think we want Saros for it either. If we didn’t have to give up assets, then it’s more tolerable, but giving up the farm & an 8m+ contract is a tough pill to swallow.
*Unless we have an understanding that if we waive Palat, the Sharks will claim him.*
But no, I’m fine with the Markstrom trade, especially because we didn’t give up the 10th overall pick, AND salary was retained.
lrwin_M_Fletcher
I have a feeling the asking price for Ullmark was astronomical. Let’s see what Fitz does with 10 – knowing he’s willing to move it maybe there is another move coming.
KovalSNIPE17
We have Marky now. We’re not having these conversations.
ConallDubhghall
Saros is the better goalie, but the gap isn’t as large as the regular stats would tell you. In any way, I wouldn’t want to be the team to pay Saros 8×8 (wear and tear, size) taking him to age 38.
In short, very happy with the trade.
gothenburgpig
I’m satisfied. He’s the best goalie we’ve had since Schneider. I just want to get the season started already so we can quit talking in circles.
snootchie_bootch
We wanted a starting goalie without giving up the 10OA pick. Best of both scenarios, if you ask me.
Markstrom isn’t *the* answer, but it’s definitely an upgrade to our situation. No point in over reacting to it until we see how things go.
DudeFalcone
At what price? For the price we paid, I’m content.
McLovin81111
We have TWO solid and serviceable goaltenders right now. What’s the issue here? Big whoop, we didn’t get a perennial all-star.
Folks, we have two tendys who can keep us in games night in and night out.
End of discussion.
Grawgar
This is fine. We were never getting Saros or Ullmark and Markstrom was the best available. I think it’s reasonable to expect Markstrom/Allen to put up league average goaltending which is a huge improvement. Who knows which goalie will break out and become available in the next couple of years – it may even be one of our young guys already in the system. Markstrom will be fine as long as he can stay healthy. We didn’t give up much for him, so there’s really not much risk.
Appropriate-Hunt4163
Markstrom is fine maybe he’ll surprise the doubters to the upside. I am just happy we didn’t end up with Binnington.
fixitfeliks
So we didn’t give up our pick? But gave up next years first round pick? What is top ten protected I’m so confused. I liked Bahl but it was painful to see such a big man not throw hits and run away from fights. I’m looking forward to seeing Marky and Allen next season for sure
Fresh_Pop_790
He’s a damn good goalie and there is value in bringing in veteran leadership on this team and something to be said for the guy wanting to come to New Jersey for a chance to win while he still has something in the tank
jonesy_reddits
For me the biggest win here is we have the opportunity to round out the team. We still have most of our assets and cap space. Having Markstrom and Allen would be a tandem that half the teams in the playoffs this year would have wanted, including Edmonton whose in the finals. I think if we can add some quality skaters we will be a top contender next year. If we had just gotten Saros or Ulmark I wouldn’t be so sure.
rxs126
I’d look at it this way. We made the move for Allen, and when he came in he was an upgrade to our goaltending throughout the season. You could probably make the argument we could’ve made the playoffs if we had Allen all year. Markstrom is another upgrade to Allen, so having both should put us in good position. I would’ve preferred Ullmark, but we don’t know the asking price. Same for Saros. We now know the contract cost though, and it’s double what we will be paying Markstrom. I think getting a goalie of this caliber and then using the extra cash for another player or two serves us better.
Audi_R8_
My brain always jumps to the side of “he’s 34, it’s unsustainable”, but I always fight myself and remind myself that 1) not every move can be for a young elite core piece. And 2) we’re not getting Markstrom and hoping he’s still good when we’re competing. We got Markstrom because we are competing now.
If this was 2018, then sure we’d hold out hope for a younger player. For where we’re at now, you gotta just take the best guy available before we’re left with starting Jake Allen.
RunningM8
We basically got a 2 year plan at goaltender. If it works out we may have a deep run, if we don’t get elite performance from Markstrom we try again after his contract is up.
As important as a goalie is, we can’t forget how much work Fitz to do to bolster the blue line. We can’t put all our salary eggs in the net basket
ripcity7077
Y’know… Utivich ‘n myself heard that deal you made with the brass. “Get a starting goalie tonight”?… I’d make that deal. How ’bout you Utivich, you make that deal?
HeshootsHescores88
The price was right. Giving up small potatoes for Marky vs the massive overpay of trade for 1 year of Saros (and the reported 8x$8+ million that Saros is demanding) doesn’t mesh with Fitz history of moves. Bahl is replaceable and with Luke/Nemec here now he just didn’t play himself into a permanent spot. We have the 10OA, we have our best prospects still, that’s a win.
I wanted Saros, I think he was the best choice, but ultimately Marky is a veteran goalie who has been to the playoffs before, steals games, and is motivated to win with a good core.
Now lets use the savings surround him with the best supporting cast we can. Get the depth forwards, get the physical top 4 Dman.
DevilsElevated
We’ll be having similar goalie conversations next off-season too. Allen’s contract will be up after this season. Would we promote Schmid or Daws as Marky’s backup or do we go after a UFA goalie for a solid tandem? Then when Marky’s contract is up the year after would Schmid or Daws be ready as backup? Next off-season speculations.
Our focus now are the other areas in need. I think Fitzy and team have war gamed a bunch of different scenarios and are weighing their options for years into the future. That’s why I think we’ve been so good at retaining so much of our young talent and not hitting the short term panic button that many GMs tend to make or that arm chair GMs think we should make in the heat of the moment
peterthehermit1
I assume fitz already kicked the tires and inquired about ullmark and the Nashville goalies prior to making the trade yesterday. So no, as of now I have no concerns about our trade
Impossible-Pepper617
Devils should trade Allen back to Montreal and sign Stolarz.
greenday1237
I think fitz plan is that markstrom is a temporary solution before daws and schmid become real honest to god NHL caliber goaltenders. Kind of a gamble if you ask me but they definitely have what it takes to get to that level
mikebe1
4milly for Markstrom and nothing important lost is a huge win for us. Marky/Allen has a good shot of being at least league average goaltending, and with only 6mil between them, it puts us at a better place to grab other assets. I’m content.
mustachiolong
The deal we made was a very good “hockey trade” for us.
Any other goalie would have cost significantly more with no guarantee that they’d extend or if they came with a deal signed it would cost even more. Our lack of true depth was exposed last year and realistically we don’t have the players available that would get it done without taking a step back. Both Boston and Nashville have said they want NHL ready players and picks/prospects mean next to nothing.
AxiomDJ
If we were able to afford that I’d assume we would have taken a shot at Hellebyuck. Markstrom is great for us right now but it’s obviously going to have to be addressed again in 2 years.
Scaramoosh1
$8m AAV is a-spicy meatball. I’m happy putting $4m for 2 years there and see what opportunities come up.
rlxdeng
Either way is a good strategy. Next steps is to get other gaps filled out. Like many have said, we need league average goaltending for us to be dangerous. We saw what happed when we got that during two seasons ago.
We don’t know what other teams would offer Saros and where he wants to go if not Nashville.
We don’t know what Nashville wants for him.
Asu7aMa7u
Im fine with it. I think Fitzy is betting on Daws or Schmid developing into a starting goalie one day, and this buys them a few years to continue to grow.
Spending big on Saros or Ullmark hampers the ability to bring in talent for other positions.
It’s an okay move and fills our biggest need for a decent price. But even if Markstrom can match his play from last year this move is simply kicking the can down the road. We’ll be doing this again in 1 or 2 years. Hopefully they’re will be some better option by then.
ryanwest19
Nah, no need to get greedy. A legit goalie tandem for $6M is fantastic. Fill out the roster around them with that extra cap. Super interested to see how Keefe is with an actual goalie and Elite right shot D.
TomatoNoah
Really love this move but there’s still work to do be a cup contender again. Top and bottom 6 forwards next upgrading and defense needs more help
DyermaknRL
I’m satisfied with markstrom but the dream would have been to go all in to grab someone like Dostal.
Jitsu4
I personally don’t like it
TaylorHamDiablo
Fitz doesn’t want to commit 8 years to a goalie who is 29 because I think there is legitimate belief in the organization that one of Schmid, Dawes, Brennan, or Poulter could be a legitimate NHL goaltender in the next 2-3 years. That is exactly when Markstrom’s deal expires.
As much as Markstrom is a “win now” trade, it also buys us some much needed time to evaluate our goaltending situation.
ScrewOff_
Im satisfied with the trade it took to get Markstrom.
Bahl I dont rate highly so that’s a wash, and the 2025 1st should be late so I dont care.
Keeping the 10th and Holtz gives us assets to make a big move to take this team even further.
PWiz30
Markstrom might not be a perfect solution, but he’s a good solution that could be a great one if either Daws or Schmid can step up and be the guy in 2 years.
quantum_monster
It’s a good deal for what we gave up and now needing to spend just $4M for 2 years of Markstrom
Yes, that means we still need a long-term solution, but it will also allow Fitz to properly gauge the other parts of the roster and see what needs to be fixed there. When goaltending and coaching can’t be excuses, then you can see what other problems might be present and that’s going to be the most valuable thing for the next two years
ghostofkozi
Given that everyone seemed to be afraid of spending $8m+ on a starting goaltender, I think you have to look at it as a win given that we have a legit 60 game starter for 2 years at $4 million
McRibs2024
Satisfied.
Retained salary, kept our first this year. Betting big next years is a back half of the draft is fine. Top ten protected incase
And bahl was expendable. Loved him and I think he will have a good career but goalie stability > a middle tier potential d
Saros is also going to be a huge cap hit. I’d rather swing on Igor at 10 than Saros at 8 if we’re gonna splash big money on a goalie.
Tommydean22
I’m sure Fitz had plenty of convos with Nashville given his history and connections there and felt the Markstrom move was best for the current team given the costs involved
45 Comments
I’m satisfied with markstrom especially for what we gave up and the salary retained. Bahl( like the dude but he can be replaced) and hopefully a late 1st rd pick to solidify our goaltending position the next two years is a no brainer decision. Saros would cost more and take up a lot of our cap space immediately after getting him. Now we can add more depth on D and in the bottom six with all cap space we have and we desperately need more the depth.
We can’t realistically afford that either, so whatever.
The goaltender market is gonna be vastly different in 2 seasons with who may be available or who develops. Unless the devils for a can’t miss guy to lock up long term I’m ok kicking the can down the road even though I rather wish we got a long term solution. For this price it was good
My guess is (and I could be way off here) is that If we had even average goaltending we would have been a playoff team this year. Now does Markstrom make us better? Yes! Does he make us an instant cup contender??? I don’t think so.
I still we need help in the bottom 6 and in the back end. There were way too many defensive breakdowns that led to great scoring chances (and goals against).
I think Fitz paid a fair price for Markstrom. I’m guessing the price would have been much higher for Saros and Ulmark plus the money it would have cost to retain each. I’m expecting Fitz to use the extra cap to pick up a solid bottom 6 piece and 2nd or 3rd pair defenseman.
Am I overly thrilled that Markstrom was the goalie they got? No. But I’d imagine Saros would’ve cost at least the first round pick from this year+prospects and the same could be said for Ullmark. Given that the first round pick is top ten protected AND they retained salary, I ain’t going to complain.
I know you have to give up someone/something good to get it in return. That being said, the price for Saros or Ullmark probably would’ve been way too much. Assuming that Markstrom has two good years with the Devils and they are able to get into the playoffs, that 2025 first round pick value drops off a bit too. As long as markstrom plays like a starting goalie and not an AHL call up all season I think they’ll be fine. Overall, don’t love it but I don’t hate it either.
We didn’t want Hellyebuck for that price, I don’t think we want Saros for it either. If we didn’t have to give up assets, then it’s more tolerable, but giving up the farm & an 8m+ contract is a tough pill to swallow.
*Unless we have an understanding that if we waive Palat, the Sharks will claim him.*
But no, I’m fine with the Markstrom trade, especially because we didn’t give up the 10th overall pick, AND salary was retained.
I have a feeling the asking price for Ullmark was astronomical. Let’s see what Fitz does with 10 – knowing he’s willing to move it maybe there is another move coming.
We have Marky now. We’re not having these conversations.
Saros is the better goalie, but the gap isn’t as large as the regular stats would tell you. In any way, I wouldn’t want to be the team to pay Saros 8×8 (wear and tear, size) taking him to age 38.
In short, very happy with the trade.
I’m satisfied. He’s the best goalie we’ve had since Schneider. I just want to get the season started already so we can quit talking in circles.
We wanted a starting goalie without giving up the 10OA pick. Best of both scenarios, if you ask me.
Markstrom isn’t *the* answer, but it’s definitely an upgrade to our situation. No point in over reacting to it until we see how things go.
At what price? For the price we paid, I’m content.
We have TWO solid and serviceable goaltenders right now. What’s the issue here? Big whoop, we didn’t get a perennial all-star.
Folks, we have two tendys who can keep us in games night in and night out.
End of discussion.
This is fine. We were never getting Saros or Ullmark and Markstrom was the best available. I think it’s reasonable to expect Markstrom/Allen to put up league average goaltending which is a huge improvement. Who knows which goalie will break out and become available in the next couple of years – it may even be one of our young guys already in the system. Markstrom will be fine as long as he can stay healthy. We didn’t give up much for him, so there’s really not much risk.
Markstrom is fine maybe he’ll surprise the doubters to the upside. I am just happy we didn’t end up with Binnington.
So we didn’t give up our pick? But gave up next years first round pick? What is top ten protected I’m so confused. I liked Bahl but it was painful to see such a big man not throw hits and run away from fights. I’m looking forward to seeing Marky and Allen next season for sure
He’s a damn good goalie and there is value in bringing in veteran leadership on this team and something to be said for the guy wanting to come to New Jersey for a chance to win while he still has something in the tank
For me the biggest win here is we have the opportunity to round out the team. We still have most of our assets and cap space. Having Markstrom and Allen would be a tandem that half the teams in the playoffs this year would have wanted, including Edmonton whose in the finals. I think if we can add some quality skaters we will be a top contender next year. If we had just gotten Saros or Ulmark I wouldn’t be so sure.
I’d look at it this way. We made the move for Allen, and when he came in he was an upgrade to our goaltending throughout the season. You could probably make the argument we could’ve made the playoffs if we had Allen all year. Markstrom is another upgrade to Allen, so having both should put us in good position. I would’ve preferred Ullmark, but we don’t know the asking price. Same for Saros. We now know the contract cost though, and it’s double what we will be paying Markstrom. I think getting a goalie of this caliber and then using the extra cash for another player or two serves us better.
My brain always jumps to the side of “he’s 34, it’s unsustainable”, but I always fight myself and remind myself that 1) not every move can be for a young elite core piece. And 2) we’re not getting Markstrom and hoping he’s still good when we’re competing. We got Markstrom because we are competing now.
If this was 2018, then sure we’d hold out hope for a younger player. For where we’re at now, you gotta just take the best guy available before we’re left with starting Jake Allen.
We basically got a 2 year plan at goaltender. If it works out we may have a deep run, if we don’t get elite performance from Markstrom we try again after his contract is up.
As important as a goalie is, we can’t forget how much work Fitz to do to bolster the blue line. We can’t put all our salary eggs in the net basket
Y’know… Utivich ‘n myself heard that deal you made with the brass. “Get a starting goalie tonight”?… I’d make that deal. How ’bout you Utivich, you make that deal?
The price was right. Giving up small potatoes for Marky vs the massive overpay of trade for 1 year of Saros (and the reported 8x$8+ million that Saros is demanding) doesn’t mesh with Fitz history of moves. Bahl is replaceable and with Luke/Nemec here now he just didn’t play himself into a permanent spot. We have the 10OA, we have our best prospects still, that’s a win.
I wanted Saros, I think he was the best choice, but ultimately Marky is a veteran goalie who has been to the playoffs before, steals games, and is motivated to win with a good core.
Now lets use the savings surround him with the best supporting cast we can. Get the depth forwards, get the physical top 4 Dman.
We’ll be having similar goalie conversations next off-season too. Allen’s contract will be up after this season. Would we promote Schmid or Daws as Marky’s backup or do we go after a UFA goalie for a solid tandem? Then when Marky’s contract is up the year after would Schmid or Daws be ready as backup? Next off-season speculations.
Our focus now are the other areas in need. I think Fitzy and team have war gamed a bunch of different scenarios and are weighing their options for years into the future. That’s why I think we’ve been so good at retaining so much of our young talent and not hitting the short term panic button that many GMs tend to make or that arm chair GMs think we should make in the heat of the moment
I assume fitz already kicked the tires and inquired about ullmark and the Nashville goalies prior to making the trade yesterday. So no, as of now I have no concerns about our trade
Devils should trade Allen back to Montreal and sign Stolarz.
I think fitz plan is that markstrom is a temporary solution before daws and schmid become real honest to god NHL caliber goaltenders. Kind of a gamble if you ask me but they definitely have what it takes to get to that level
4milly for Markstrom and nothing important lost is a huge win for us. Marky/Allen has a good shot of being at least league average goaltending, and with only 6mil between them, it puts us at a better place to grab other assets. I’m content.
The deal we made was a very good “hockey trade” for us.
Any other goalie would have cost significantly more with no guarantee that they’d extend or if they came with a deal signed it would cost even more. Our lack of true depth was exposed last year and realistically we don’t have the players available that would get it done without taking a step back. Both Boston and Nashville have said they want NHL ready players and picks/prospects mean next to nothing.
If we were able to afford that I’d assume we would have taken a shot at Hellebyuck. Markstrom is great for us right now but it’s obviously going to have to be addressed again in 2 years.
$8m AAV is a-spicy meatball. I’m happy putting $4m for 2 years there and see what opportunities come up.
Either way is a good strategy. Next steps is to get other gaps filled out. Like many have said, we need league average goaltending for us to be dangerous. We saw what happed when we got that during two seasons ago.
We don’t know what other teams would offer Saros and where he wants to go if not Nashville.
We don’t know what Nashville wants for him.
Im fine with it. I think Fitzy is betting on Daws or Schmid developing into a starting goalie one day, and this buys them a few years to continue to grow.
Spending big on Saros or Ullmark hampers the ability to bring in talent for other positions.
Scnheier said it best – https://x.com/nhlnetwork/status/1803774805277044839?s=46&t=E_r6wlNAZqaLLAA0bNsvcw
It’s an okay move and fills our biggest need for a decent price. But even if Markstrom can match his play from last year this move is simply kicking the can down the road. We’ll be doing this again in 1 or 2 years. Hopefully they’re will be some better option by then.
Nah, no need to get greedy. A legit goalie tandem for $6M is fantastic. Fill out the roster around them with that extra cap. Super interested to see how Keefe is with an actual goalie and Elite right shot D.
Really love this move but there’s still work to do be a cup contender again. Top and bottom 6 forwards next upgrading and defense needs more help
I’m satisfied with markstrom but the dream would have been to go all in to grab someone like Dostal.
I personally don’t like it
Fitz doesn’t want to commit 8 years to a goalie who is 29 because I think there is legitimate belief in the organization that one of Schmid, Dawes, Brennan, or Poulter could be a legitimate NHL goaltender in the next 2-3 years. That is exactly when Markstrom’s deal expires.
As much as Markstrom is a “win now” trade, it also buys us some much needed time to evaluate our goaltending situation.
Im satisfied with the trade it took to get Markstrom.
Bahl I dont rate highly so that’s a wash, and the 2025 1st should be late so I dont care.
Keeping the 10th and Holtz gives us assets to make a big move to take this team even further.
Markstrom might not be a perfect solution, but he’s a good solution that could be a great one if either Daws or Schmid can step up and be the guy in 2 years.
It’s a good deal for what we gave up and now needing to spend just $4M for 2 years of Markstrom
Yes, that means we still need a long-term solution, but it will also allow Fitz to properly gauge the other parts of the roster and see what needs to be fixed there. When goaltending and coaching can’t be excuses, then you can see what other problems might be present and that’s going to be the most valuable thing for the next two years
Given that everyone seemed to be afraid of spending $8m+ on a starting goaltender, I think you have to look at it as a win given that we have a legit 60 game starter for 2 years at $4 million
Satisfied.
Retained salary, kept our first this year. Betting big next years is a back half of the draft is fine. Top ten protected incase
And bahl was expendable. Loved him and I think he will have a good career but goalie stability > a middle tier potential d
Saros is also going to be a huge cap hit. I’d rather swing on Igor at 10 than Saros at 8 if we’re gonna splash big money on a goalie.
I’m sure Fitz had plenty of convos with Nashville given his history and connections there and felt the Markstrom move was best for the current team given the costs involved