The Calgary Flames are reportedly nearing a trade for goalie Jacob Markstrom

This development follows a narrowly missed trade agreement with the New Jersey Devils at the previous deadline—a deal that has now resurfaced as a real possibility.

Pierre LeBrun's insights highlight a burgeoning interest in Markstrom not just from the Devils, but from multiple franchises across the league. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators, and Carolina Hurricanes are among the teams now queuing up for discussions, signaling a broad acknowledgment of Markstrom's enduring value as a top-tier goaltender.

Now at 34, Markstrom boasts nearly 500 NHL appearances, pairing a vast wealth of experience with a robust track record. Last season, he recorded a .905 save percentage and a 2.78 goals-against average over 48 games, metrics that underscore his consistency, even as they hint at the higher peaks he's known to achieve.

With a contract set at a reasonable $6 million for the next two seasons, his acquisition presents a balanced investment for teams in pursuit of both experience and reliability.

However, the relationship between Markstrom and the Flames has shown signs of strain, especially as the team faces challenges in shaping its future identity.

Holding a full no-move clause, Markstrom's openness to waiving it for a shot with a playoff contender reflects his determination to compete at the highest levels, rather than weather a rebuild in Calgary.

The ongoing talks could spell a significant shift for the Flames and Markstrom alike. As Calgary recalibrates its lineup, potential suitors are lining up, each eager to secure a goalie whose track record speaks of both resilience and peak performance.

This negotiation window could very well determine the trajectory of Markstrom's career and the strategic contours of the teams vying for his skills.