Yesterday, TSN 1260’s Jason Gregor and NHL.com’s Kevin Woodley reported that the Red Wings may make a pitch for Vancouver Canucks goaltender and unrestricted free agent-to-be Jacob Markstrom. The 30-year-old late-bloomer is reportedly looking for a $5-million-a-season contract.
Today, without mentioning Gregor or Woodley, Sportsnet lists the Red Wings as a possible suitor for Markstrom’s services:
Detroit Red Wings: Over the weekend, Friedman reported that UFA goalie Jimmy Howard was “probably not” going to return to Detroit next season, so that young, rebuilding team will need a sturdy replacement. The Wings are building towards a promising future, and there’s no telling how long that will take to come to fruition, so unlike many teams this off-season they have a bunch of cap room to work with. With a roster of just 11 players, the Wings have a projected $34.6 million in cap space. Jonathan Bernier remains, with a $3-million cap hit, but is one year away from that expiring.
97.1 the Ticket’s Will Burchfield also weighed in regarding the Wings’ possible interest in Markstrom:
If Markstrom does hit free agency, which begins Oct. 9, he’d be the best goalie on the market. His .918 save percentage ranked fourth in the NHL this season among goalies with at least 40 games played. Vezina winner Connor Hellenuyck posted a .922.
The Red Wings need help in net, both now and in the future. The team is moving on from Jimmy Howard, and Jonathan Bernier is entering the final year of his contract. None of its goalies in the pipeline are close to the NHL — and none of them are considered top prospects.
But is Markstrom the answer? A five-year contract would bring him through his age-35 season, and his best years likely wouldn’t coincide with the Wings’ competitive timeline. The price might be a bit high, too. With $3 million already allotted for Bernier, does Detroit want almost $10 million tied up in its goalies next season?
I don’t see the Wings successfully landing Markstrom unless they overpay for his services. He’ll have better opportunities to join winning hockey teams (in theory, anyway).
How about a 3rd reason? Markstrom doesn’t really want to getting riddled with shots every night, behind a not ready NHL defensive unit, and leave the NHL (retire) with bad stats. He will sign with Canucks (Why Not?)? Demko had some great games in the Tournament but he did play a little during the season, average stats for a Rookie. The Canucks rode Markstrom with a Heavy Workload trying to get into the long lost playoffs. With a 5 yr Contract he will cut into Demko’s #1 starter but he is young and will be OK. After 3 yrs Canucks can trade Markstrom, maybe (age 33). If Demko struggles to start this season (not likely), the Nucks have zero prospects in the pipeline. Maybe they can overpay for one of the other old Farts to relieve Demko. Wait we are back to Markstrom and Demko playing #1/#2. These Rumours can get get weird but there are some weird GMs out there. I like goalies as does another blogger from Manitoba, hmmm? Lastly, this is Vancouver where every sport is Soccer and every rumour is like The Laffs. Thks, Goalie Guy George