Emily KaplanNov 1, 2025, 11:58 AM

CloseEmily Kaplan is ESPN’s national NHL reporter.

The New Jersey Devils agreed to a two-year extension with goalie Jacob Markstrom with an average annual value of $6 million.

Markstrom, 35, was entering the final year of his contract, which had the same cap hit. This helps the Devils lock in a three year window in which they believe their group can contend.

The Swedish-born goaltender was a massive acquisition for the Devils in June, 2024 as New Jersey traded defenseman Kevin Bahl and a first round pick to the Calgary Flames to secure their new franchise backstop and stabilize the team.

The Devils brain trust, including GM Tom Fitzgerald and Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Martin Brodeur (a franchise legend himself, and winner of three Stanley Cups in New Jersey) have loved having Markstrom in the organization. Markstrom, a big but agile goaltender at 6-foot-6, 205 pounds, also has formed a strong bond with his goaltending partner, Jake Allen.

The Devils have come out strong this season, going 8-3-0 entering a Saturday tilt at the Los Angeles Kings. Markstrom hasn’t been his strongest, going 2-2-0 with a 5.13 GAA and an .830 save percentage over four appearances, while he has also been sidelined briefly by injury. However the Devils are banking on his total body of work, including his spectacular play in last year’s first round series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Markstrom posted a .911 save percentage, but the Devils, who were severely hobbled by injuries, lost to Carolina in five games.

Markstrom has finished top five in Vezina Trophy twice in his career, and has gone 28-18-6 in the past year-plus with the Devils, including a 2.67 goals-against average and four shutouts in 53 games. Originally a 2008 second round pick of the Panthers, Markstrom has started 538 games with the Panthers, Canucks, Flames and Devils, with a .908 career save percentage.

The Devils were fixated on a shorter term deal, but also wanted to capitalize on a thin goaltending market. Allen, also 35, is signed through 2030.