The New Jersey Devils have signed goaltender Jacob Markstrom to a two-year, $12 million contract extension. The deal carries an average annual value of $6 million. The announcement was made by Devils' President/General Manager Tom Fitzgerald on Friday.
Markstrom, 35, is currently in his second season with the Devils after being acquired from the Calgary Flames in June 2024. The Devils sent defenseman Kevin Bahl and a 2025 first-round pick (which Calgary used to select Cole Reschny) to the Flames in exchange for Markstrom.
In his first season with New Jersey, Markstrom posted a 26-16-6 record with a 2.50 goals-against average (GAA), a .900 save percentage (SV%), and four shutouts. His performance was a key factor in the Devils significantly reducing the number of goals allowed compared to the previous season. The team allowed 61 fewer goals in the 2024-25 season than in 2023-24. Markstrom also started in 49 regular season games and recorded a 2.78 GAA and .911 SV% in the playoffs.
This season, Markstrom has a 2-2-0 record with a 5.13 GAA and a .830 SV% in four appearances. He recently returned to action after recovering from a lower-body injury.
Markstrom's extension provides stability in net for the Devils, who have experienced inconsistency at the goaltending position in recent years. His veteran presence and leadership are expected to benefit the team's young core. Over his 16-year NHL career, Markstrom has a 243-214-63 record with a 2.72 GAA, a .908 SV%, and 24 shutouts.
Prior to joining the Devils, Markstrom played for the Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, and Calgary Flames. He was originally drafted by Florida in the second round (31st overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Markstrom is in the final year of a six-year, $36 million contract. The new contract will begin in the 2026-27 season. Unlike his current deal, the Devils will be responsible for the full amount of the contract, as the Flames are currently picking up $1.875 million of Markstrom's cap hit as part of the trade agreement.
The extension comes at a time when the Devils have multiple goaltending options, including veteran Jake Allen and promising youngster Nico Daws. Allen signed a five-year deal a few months ago. Daws, who has shown promise in his limited NHL appearances, may become a trade option for the Devils due to the team's goaltending depth.
