New Jersey Devils acquire goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames

General manager Tom Fitzgerald tried to snag Markstrom before the trade deadline. Talks resumed in recent weeks and reached the finish line with the 34-year-old moving from rebuilding team to contender.

“You always look from a hockey perspective, do you feel like the team can win? And if that’s yes, then everything else will be pretty easy,” Markstrom said during a video call with reporters from his native Sweden. “Obviously, New Jersey and Tom really pushed me, and when someone wants you to come play for that team, it’s a good feeling. It doesn’t take much more to get excited and want to jump on the ship and be a part of it and hopefully steer it in the right direction.”

New Jersey made the playoffs and reached the second round in 2022-2023, which should be the start of a string of successes. But a team save percentage of .896, ranked in the bottom five in the NHL, cost coach Lindy Ruff his job and contributed to his fall out of contention.

Fitzgerald traded for Jake Allen on deadline day in March as a last-ditch effort and at the time foreshadowed the addition of another veteran goaltender to serve as the Devils’ tandem next season. Markstrom is that guy at a discounted price of $4.125 million over the next two years, with the Flames keeping 31.25% – $1.875 million – annually.

“I think Jake is a great goalkeeper and I can’t wait to work with him and try to win as many games as possible,” Markstrom said, adding that he understands what is being asked of him. “You want to be that difference maker and as a goalkeeper you have the opportunity to do that every night. I think that challenge wakes me up every morning.”

Markstrom joins his fourth organization after being drafted and debuting for Florida, coincidentally in New Jersey in what is his new home arena, and spending time with Vancouver and Calgary. And while their Battle of Alberta rivals, the Edmonton Oilers, play in the Stanley Cup final, the Flames continue their decline, which has included the departures of Matthew Tkachuk, Johnny Gaudreau, Tyler Toffoli and Noah Hanifin in recent years.

General Manager Craig Conroy said the transaction “demonstrates our focus on infusing young talented players into our roster and acquiring important draft capital, while maintaining our commitment as a competitive team in the playoffs.” He said Calgary has long identified Bahl as a priority in consummating the transaction.

“He is a strong defender with size who plays an assertive game with tremendous presence,” Conroy said. “While his 6-6, 230-pound frame is an imposing asset, he uses his body intelligently, has good mobility and makes smart puck decisions. Kevin fits our identity and we are excited to acquire him now as he can continue to grow with our group.”

AP Sports Writer Tom Canavan contributed to this report.

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