Jacob Markstrom Starts for New Jersey Devils, Eyes Strong Debut After Stellar Underlying Stats

Jacob Markstrom is slated to start in goal for the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday against the Lightning. Acquired by the Devils, Markstrom's traditional stats with the Flames last season (23-23-2 record, 2.78 GAA, .905 SV%) appeared average, but his 28.93 GSAx (goals saved above expected) ranked third in the NHL, indicating a strong underlying performance despite a struggling team defense. He is viewed as a strong second-tier netminder with significant upside in New Jersey's fast-paced system, aiming for a top-eight finish in Vezina voting, an award he was a finalist for three seasons ago. Markstrom signed a six-year, $36 million deal with the Flames in 2020, with his tenure including a Vezina finalist campaign and a challenging season (23-21-12, 2.92 GAA, .892 SV%). He previously posted career-best numbers with Calgary (37 wins, 2.22 GAA, .922 SV%) and was a workhorse for the Canucks before joining the Flames.