NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Could Be Suitor For Jacob Markstrom If "Samsonov Doesn't Pan Out"

Speculation swirls around the offseason moves for the Calgary Flames, particularly regarding goaltender Jacob Markstrom's potential departure.

With past trade rumors and the Flames' current standing compared to contending teams, Markstrom's return next season remains uncertain.

Should he become available, the Toronto Maple Leafs could emerge as potential suitors, especially if Ilya Samsonov "doesn't pan out", according to The Athletic's Julian McKenzie.

Jacob Markstrom throwing his hat in the ring for save of the year! 😱 pic.twitter.com/D0znlANOQs
— NHL (@NHL) October 21, 2023

Markstrom's consistent performance and ability to handle pressure situations make him an enticing option for the Leafs, who seek to shore up their goaltending depth for a deep playoff run, something that's eluded them for years.

This season, the 34-year-old holds a .906 SV%, 2.75 GAA, and two shutouts with a 23-22-2 record across 47 games played.

The Leafs' interest in Markstrom could hinge on various factors, including his willingness to waive his no-movement clause and the financial implications of his $6 million average annual value.

However, Toronto's pursuit aligns with their perennial quest to address goaltending concerns. The addition of a veteran like Markstrom could also be very beneficial for Leafs' other promising young goalie in Joseph Woll.

Jacob Markstrom makes a save on Mark Scheifele in the 2nd period#CGYvsWPG pic.twitter.com/fCf9CtcZV6
— PeckBot_001 (@PeckBot_001) January 4, 2023

Meanwhile, the Flames are eyeing a potential roster reshaping, leveraging their draft capital to acquire impactful young talent while also seeking a veteran presence to sustain competitiveness.

Over his four years with Calgary, Markstrom holds a .907 SV%, 2.62 GAA, with 15 shutouts and a 105-77-25 record across 212 games played.

Markstrom's experience and reliability could offer the stability Toronto needs between the pipes, especially if Samsonov fails to pan out. Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports