Jacob Markstrom

After signing a six-year, $36 million deal with the Flames in 2020, Markstrom established himself as the workhorse goaltender that Calgary was seeking, finishing second among all NHL netminders in starts (43), and securing a 22-19-2 record while backstopping the Flames to a postseason berth in 2020-21. More problematic for the Flames, however, was the Swede's 2.66 GAA and .904 save percentage. With the loss of Mark Giordano on the blue line, Markstrom may struggle to improve those metrics, and Calgary's acquisition of Daniel Vladar from the Bruins could eat into Markstrom's workload if his numbers continue to trend in the wrong direction. The 31-year-old Swede carries some risk, but Markstrom enters the 2021-22 season as the No.1 netminder in Calgary with enough upside for a top-10 finish at the position if he can stay healthy and productive.

Markstrom took his talents to Calgary as a free agent this offseason, signing a six-year deal to become the Flames' No. 1 option in goal. The Swede posted a 23-16-4 record with a 2.75 GAA, a .918 save percentage and two shutouts in 43 appearances in his last season with the Canucks. With a capable backup in David Rittich, Markstrom may not need to play 60-plus games a year, but he should be able to put up respectable ratios in 50-to-55 outings. Expect the 30-year-old to challenge the 25-win threshold as well, and his workhorse reputation will make him a top-15 goalie off the board in fantasy drafts. Markstrom does tend to miss time with injuries most seasons, so Rittich represents a solid plan "B" for fantasy managers.

Markstrom appeared in 60 games for Vancouver a season ago and posted a 28-23-9 along the way. For the 2019-20 season, Markstrom figures to begin the year as the Canucks' starting goalie, with Thatcher Demko waiting in the wings behind him. Adding Tyler Myers figures to help shore up Vancouver's back end, something Markstrom will be pleased about. Even though he's been forced to play behind some shaky defensive units during his time with the Canucks, Markstrom's save percentage hasn't dipped below .910 over the past four seasons. That said, Vancouver is a rebuilding team that, once again, could struggle to win games next season, so with that in mind, Markstrom's fantasy value isn't as high as it would be if he was wearing a different jersey.

The Swedish backstop is penciled as the Canucks starter, but unless he drastically improves upon his .912 save percentage and 2.71 GAA from last season, it won't be a pretty sight. Markstrom won't get much help from a relatively thin and turnover-prone defense, which is made worse by his tendency to let in soft goals. It's the 6-foot-6, 196-pounder's cage to lose, and while he's expected to get the bulk of the starts, coach Travis Green hasn't hesitated to go with the hot hand, so it's very possible backup Anders Nilsson steals a decent amount of playing time. At 28 years old, it's getting late into Markstrom's audition as a legitimate NHL-caliber starter. Markstrom should be a viable play against weaker teams but a risky proposition against stronger challengers, making him a mid-tier fantasy option at best.

Markstrom enters the 2017-18 season as Vancouver’s starting goaltender following an offseason trade that saw veteran netminder Ryan Miller dealt to the Ducks. The 27-year-old Swede only has 109 career NHL games under his belt, but he was fairly solid in 26 appearances last season, posting a .910 save percentage. While Markstrom will likely be in Vancouver’s crease Opening Night, free-agent acquisition Anders Nilsson is sure to challenge him for starts. After all, Markstrom’s fellow Swede posted an excellent .923 save percentage in 26 games with Buffalo last season and will force the incumbent to be at his best. While Markstrom is coming off a good year, he’s been inconsistent throughout his NHL career, so exhibit caution when drafting him in fantasy. He could flourish now that Miller has departed, but if he falters, Nilsson will be ready to take over.

Markstrom saw his fair share of action in the Vancouver crease in 2015-16, appearing in 33 games and posting a 13-14-0 record with a .915 save percentage. The 26-year-old is still behind veteran goaltender Ryan Miller on the depth chart, but Markstrom is rising and could emerge as Vancouver’s starting netminder in 2016-17. While he should post decent rate stats, the Canucks haven’t improved much and will be in tough in a strong Pacific Division, so it’s hard to see the Swede piling up a large number of wins. If Miller is moved at some point or struggles during the season, Markstrom could become an underrated fantasy steal.

With Eddie Lack having been shipped to Carolina over the summer, the 25-year-old Markstrom has inherited backup duties behind Ryan Miller in 2015-16. The 25-year-old former second-round pick is coming off a fantastic season with AHL Utica, as he posted a 22-7-2 record and .934 save percentage, helping the Comets reach the Calder Cup Finals. While he was one of the best goaltenders in the AHL last season, Markstrom has struggled in 50 career NHL appearances, posting a 13-28-5 record with an .896 save percentage and 3.19 GAA. The 6-foot-6 Swedish goaltender still has that highly valued combination of youth and size, though, and a full season in the NHL under Miller's tutelage could help him develop. Re-signed to a two-year deal during the offseason, Markstrom has the perfect opportunity to finally make a smooth transition into the NHL, as he won't face much pressure or a heavy workload.

Markstrom was one of the players dealt to the Canucks at the 2014 trade deadline in a blockbuster trade that sent veteran goalie Roberto Luongo back to the Panthers. He only played four games with the Canucks last season, posting a 1-2-0 record to go with a 3.00 GAA and .868 save percentage. The 24-year-old struggled on a weak Panthers team prior to the trade, posting a 1-6-3 record with a 3.52 GAA and .874 save percentage. Markstrom is a promising youngster, but really hasn’t proven himself yet. The offseason turned sour for Markstrom when the Canucks signed Ryan Miller and he has reportedly requested a trade out of Vancouver. The request makes sense, considering he will likely be the third-string goalie in Vancouver behind Eddie Lack. Unless he gets traded, Markstrom won’t be very useful in fantasy hockey this upcoming campaign.

Markstrom is expected to begin the year backing up veteran Scott Clemmensen. Nothing will make the Panthers happier than if his play warrants the lion's share of the starting duties in 2013-14. He's their best bet at goalie for the future, but some progress will have to be made before they give the 22-year-old full responsibility over the netminding duties. His save percentage was just .901 last season to go along with a 3.22 GAA in 23 appearances. With the Panthers not expected to pile up the Ws this year, Markstrom isn't a very reliable choice for most fantasy teams.

Markstrom enters this season as Florida's goalie of the future, but is expected to start the 2012-2013 season in the AHL. The 6-foot-3 butterfly goalie has plenty of potential and could see himself with the big club sooner rather than later. In seven games played this past season, Markstrom was 2-4 with a 2.66 goals against average and a .905 save percentage. Markstrom is a top keeper option and a viable sleeper option should he play himself onto the roster with a strong showing in camp. Neither Scott Clemmensen or Jose Theodore have much upside remaining, making Markstrom the smart choice in keeper drafts.

Markstrom was Florida's second-round selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Even though he will likely wind up spending most of his time backstopping for the Rochester Americans (AHL) this season, it's worth keeping tabs on Markstrom, as he is widely considered the Panthers' goalie of the future. Last season, the tall netminder (he's 6-foot-3) won the Elitserien Rookie of the Year award as a member of Bryanas IF of the Swedish Elite League. Based on his three-year, entry-level contract with the Panthers in June of 2010, it has become evident that this butterfly-style goalie is vastly approaching the NHL stage.