Flames' Markstrom keeps open mind on uncertain future in Calgary – Sportsnet.ca

NEW YORK — Despite having a no-movement clause in his contract, Jacob Markstrom says his future is in control of the Calgary Flames.

Asked for the first time about where he might spend the remaining two years of his contract, the 34-year-old netminder confirmed in a quiet, private chat that the ball is in management's court.

“It's up to Calgary, what they want to do,” said Markstrom, who starts tonight in New Jersey.

“That's what it comes down to.

“I don't control it.

“Whatever direction they want to go, whatever they want to do, I'm not forcing anything.

“I will not go up and meet and ask for a trade.

“I'm here to play, I enjoy every day and we have a great group.”

Markstrom was blunt when asked if the Flames approached him to see if he would waive the no-trade clause.

“No,” he said.

“We will see.

“When they send me an email saying I have to sign something to remove the no-movement clause, we have to have another conversation.

“But I'm just playing.”

His outspokenness is interesting because many may cite him as trade protection, insisting he signed a six-year, $36 million deal in Calgary and intends to stick to it.

However, things have clearly changed in Calgary last week with the trade of his best friend Elias Lindholm.

He may also lose a couple of his most reliable defenders, Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev.

The combination of Calgary's youth movement and Markstrom's return this season raises the question of whether now is the time to cash in on the Swede's hot hand.

It's no secret that the Flames need to make room for future starter Dustin Wolff by the fall at the latest, prompting hockey trade gurus to wonder aloud how many teams he could help and at what cost.

Asked if his name in the trade bothers him, he shrugged.

“I don't study,” he smiled.

“I know they should have called me before (the trade), and they didn't, so I'm going to keep playing.”

“Life is good.”

The former Vezina finalist battled back from the team's slow start to go 15-13-2 to post a 2.55 GAA and .913 save percentage.

He is undoubtedly the team's best player this season and would be a huge upgrade for playoff contenders like Toronto, New Jersey, Carolina, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Craig Conroy hasn't shopped Markstrom, but if someone approaches the Flames GM with a serious offer, he knows Markstrom might be open to discussing it.

Markstrom's fate has been a hot topic around town, as many believe he has hurt the team's draft position by helping the Flames win too many games.

Still, people like Conroy believe it's important to maintain a winning culture while recycling on the fly, something Markstrom has done his part to keep the team on the edge of the wild-card race this year.

“I feel good and I feel confident,” Markstrom said of his hot streak that saw him go 6-3 in 2024, which included a perfect performance in a 4-1 win at Boston on Tuesday.

“I was able to work a lot with Barbs (goalie coach Jason LaBarbera).

“Learning from past years, you just learn.

“I feel like when you stop learning, it's time to hang them up.

“I work with d-men, wings and centers and I feel like everything is connected.”

It remains to be seen how long he will be associated with the organization.