The Florida Panthers made a second major goaltender move in back-to-back days, landing Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils in a Tuesday trade that strongly suggests two-time Stanley Cup champion Sergei Bobrovsky’s days in South Florida are numbered.
To complete the deal, Florida sent forward Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and the rights to pending restricted free agent Ben Steeves to New Jersey in exchange for Markstrom and winger Angus Crookshank. Just one day earlier on Monday, the Panthers had picked up goalie Akira Schmid from Vegas in exchange for a 2028 third-round draft pick.
Panthers general manager Bill Zito expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. “Jacob is an established veteran leader in this league who possesses size and a relentless drive to win,” Zito said. “We are excited for him to compete alongside our established group and return to South Florida.”
Bobrovsky, 37, was instrumental in guiding Florida to consecutive Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025, as well as a Finals appearance in 2023.
Markstrom, 36, is entering a two-year deal carrying an annual salary cap hit of $6 million — a contract originally signed under former Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald, who departed the organization in April.
The trade represents the first significant roster move by Fitzgerald’s replacement, Sunny Mehta. New Jersey will now rely on Jake Allen in goal and is expected to search for a backup partner during free agency.
Rodrigues, who will turn 33 on July 28, adds another option at forward for the Devils. The Panthers were able to free up his salary of just over $3 million following their acquisition of Brady Tkachuk from Ottawa to skate alongside his brother Matthew.
Elsewhere around the NHL, the St. Louis Blues placed winger Jonathan Drouin on unconditional waivers in order to buy out the remaining season of his contract. The Blues originally obtained Drouin at the trade deadline from the New York Islanders as part of the package received for Brayden Schenn.
