‘It could have been handled a lot different from up top’: Flames’ Jacob Markstrom on trade talks

With just one week until the NHL Trade Deadline, a potential trade target is sounding off on talks involving his name.

For the last couple of months, many have wondered if the Calgary Flames will trade goaltender Jacob Markstrom. One team that has been after the 34-year-old netminder: the New Jersey Devils, who reportedly failed at acquiring Markstrom a couple of weeks ago.

Markstrom was asked by Sportsnet’s Eric Francis on Friday about potential trade talks being put on hold and his thoughts on remaining with the Flames, who have already sold off Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov, through the deadline.

“Everyone in here, I really respect everything that’s been going on,” Markstrom said. “And not going on, and how everyone in this room has handled everything. I think it’s been really good. And then the whole situation and everything, am I happy about that? No I’m not. I think it could have been handled a lot different from up top.”

Markstrom has two more years on his seven-year contract that he signed with the Flames in October 2020. However, with him having a no-move clause, the Swedish goaltender reportedly waived it so a deal with the Devils could be made.

Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic reported on Friday that the Devils have once again been in contact with the Flames, saying that New Jersey would be willing to take on all of Markstrom’s $6 million cap hit. One day earlier, it was noted that the Flames are making it known they are planning on keeping him for the remainder of the season.

Markstrom has been having a much better season compared to 2022-23, currently holding a 20-15-2 record with a 2.56 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage and two shutouts.

The Flames (29-25-5) are currently fifth in the Pacific Division, nine points back of the Edmonton Oilers for third, and seven back of the last Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.

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Get ready for the Daily Faceoff Live Trade Deadline Show, coming to you on March 8th LIVE from 11 AM to 3 PM EST!! Join Tyler Yaremchuk, Frank Seravalli and friends for 4 hours of non-stop action as they dive deep into the heart of the trade deadline. They will be breaking down every trade, discussing the impact on teams, predicting the playoff picture, and giving you the inside scoop on all the wheeling and dealing happening around the league. Tune in live on March 8th from 11 AM to 3 PM EST for the The Daily Faceoff Live Trade Deadline special you won’t want to miss!