Markstrom Extension Coming With Devils

The New Jersey Devils are looking to remain competitive in net by looking to extend Jacob Markstrom. Initially, it was rumored that the Devils' starting goalie was looking for a long-term extension, but it looks like the two sides are going to go shorter in the term.

Elliotte Friedman said, "Seems like they're pretty hopeful. They were looking maybe a couple of years, shorter-term, big number. They're going at it here, trying to close something."

From New Jersey's standpoint, there should be some worry in giving Markstrom a big number, considering how this season has shaken out so far. Markstrom got injured, but hasn't played good in the games that he has appeared in. The veteran has allowed 17 goals on 100 shots for a 5.13 GAA and .830 SV%. The Devils have outscored their problems twice as Markstrom is 2-2-0.

While that is concerning for Markstrom and the Devils, Jake Allen has stepped up massively and is 5-0-0 with a 1.93 GAA and .923 SV%. Allen is the same age as Markstrom, signed for four more years after this, and has been a starter on multiple teams in the NHL. When he has someone competing for starts against him, that is when he has been at his best in his career.

Allen saw his opportunity to take the helm while Markstrom was injured and did an excellent job. Markstrom returned and allowed eight goals to the Colorado Avalanche and Allen was a big part of the seven-game win streak the team went on prior to that loss.

Markstrom currently has a cap hit of $4.125 million AAV with the Devils, but he is earning $6 million AAV overall on his current deal. If the deal is shorter and the money is going to be higher, that isn't exactly great for the Devils right now. He has been an elite goalie and can turn it around, and the Devils do need great goaltending to be able to win the Stanley Cup. The team obviously wishes he were playing better, but it might help discussions a little bit to get the number down. Goaltending isn't easy to find and the Devils have theirs, so it makes sense not to let Markstrom go.

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