Part of the question I have with Markstrom and New Jersey is probably partially answered with Nashville, unless there is another goalie out there that New Jersey feels can give them enough stability in net.
I thought that Nashville was supposed to be rebuilding? I know they have been trying to unload Barrie, but I haven't heard any other rumours when it comes to their vets. Players like McDonagh (34), Nyquist (34), Luke Schenn (33), Roman Josi (33), and Ryan O'Reilley (32). Sure, Josi might be a 'forever Predator", but for a team that is outside of the playoffs right now, who missed the playoffs last season, and who haven't won a single round since the 2018 playoffs, what are they doing? I thought that they were kick-starting a rebuild? Poile was stepping aside, and Trotz was going to lead them through a rebuild?
Well, aside from the well known Barrie situation, the only other player that has made the rumour mills has been Saros. It just doesn't make any sense to me given that there are no other players on the team being shopped. This smells more to me like Nashville trying to drive down the price if anything. Even if Nashville decides to blow it up, Saros is only 28 and could still be a legitimate starter - or part of a great tandem to start Askarov's career with. I personally think that there is value in Markstrom helping to develop Wolf, but Markstrom will probably be too old by the time this team is ready to compete. If he was 28, I would make the argument that Markstrom should only be available for a severe overpayment, or it doesn't make sense to make the move now.
The only other goalie that could really be a difference maker in New Jersey that may be available is Gibson, but good luck with that. He is signed through the 26/27 season at 6.4 million. It isn't back or front loaded either, though there are no bonuses, so it is easier for buyout purposes. Anaheim is a team that has been run on a budget for years as well, so good luck trying to get them to retain on Gibson.
I think Conroy is being very savvy here. It is a game of chicken right now. Calgary has the best available goaltender on the market (I don't think Saros is on the market). Allen? Fleury? Blackwood was there already and didn't work out. Everyone else is either a backup or a question mark.
NJ is 5-4-1 in their last 10. The Flyers are 4-5-1 in their last 10. NJ is 5 points back of the Flyers who hold the last playoff spot in the Metro, but they have 2 games in hand on the Flyers. Tight race for that last playoff spot. Islanders are only 2 points back of the Devils with equal games, so there is back-pressure for sure.
Devils are 4 points back of the last wildcard spot, with 1 game in hand, and Detroit is doing well going 6-3-1 in their last 10. Devils are 5 points back of Tampa, but they have 3 games in hand on Tampa. However, Tampa has been doing well lately, going 6-4-0 in their last 10.
Jersey has a great shot at the playoffs, and Markstrom is probably the piece that gets them there. They might still make it without him, or they might make it by acquiring a lesser goalie, but for a team that has went out in the recent past to try and find some stability in net, Markstrom can offer them that for the rest of this season, and probably the last two years on his deal.
I will bet on Conroy to win this battle of chicken.
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