Florida Panthers trade for goaltender Jacob Markstrom

The Florida Panthers completed a trade with the New Jersey Devils that sends veteran goaltender Jacob Markstrom and winger Angus Crookshank to Florida. In return the Devils receive forward Evan Rodrigues, centre Jesper Boqvist and the rights to pending restricted‑free‑agent prospect Ben Steeves. Markstrom signed a two‑year contract with an average annual value of $6 million, returning to the club where he began his NHL career in 2008.

The move is widely viewed as a signal that the Panthers will move on from current starter Sergei Bobrovsky, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Panthers general manager Bill Zito said Markstrom brings veteran leadership and a "relentless drive to win." The Devils add depth to their forward lines and will continue to evaluate their goaltending options as Jake Allen remains in net.

Earlier in the week the Panthers also acquired backup goalie Akira Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights, further reshaping the South Florida goaltending picture.