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How the Jacob Markstrom Injury Affects Devils Draft

The injury to Jacob Markstrom could have implications on the Devils at the 2025 NHL Draft.

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New Jersey Devils
Credit: New Jersey Devils

NEWARK—The New Jersey Devils are lucky to have goaltender Jake Allen. An otherwise lesser goaltending option could have had greater implications on the remainder of the season. Still, they’re anxiously awaiting a prognosis on Jacob Markstrom’s injury after leaving the second period of Wednesday night’s game following a collision. Depending on the result, the reality is New Jersey could need to rely on Allen more from now on. Suddenly the Markstrom injury could impact the Devils’ draft this summer.



READ MORE: Devils Jacob Markstrom Suffers Scary Injury; ‘Will Miss Some Time’

Following the Devils’ 5-1 victory over the Boston Bruins, head coach Sheldon Keefe explained that Markstrom will miss some time.

How much time is currently undetermined. If Markstrom is out for an extended period, it could trigger a condition in the Devils trade that brought Allen to New Jersey from the Montreal Canadiens last season.

At the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, in addition to Montreal retaining 50% of his salary, the condition agreed upon between Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald, and Canadians GM Kent Hughes, was if Allan plays 40 or more games for New Jersey this season, and whichever team he’s on reaches the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the 2025 third-round pick will become a second-round pick.

Thus far, Allen’s played 15 games, including the relief appearance for Markstrom on Wednesday.

There are 32 games left for the Devils in the 2024-25 regular season. If Markstrom misses any significant amount of time, there’s a reality in which Allen reaches the 40-game mark, needing just 25 more appearances.

Doctor’s Take: Potential Devastating Injury Prediction For Devils Jacob Markstrom 

The Devils are already short their 2025 first round pick. Fitzgerald dealt it to the Calgary Flames to acquire Markstrom at 31.25% retained salary.

Therefore, New Jersey is facing a situation where they could head into the 2025 NHL Draft without a pick in the first round, and without their own in the second.

Fortunately, New Jersey owns two additional second-round picks in 2025 via the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets.

However, with the Devils expected to be buyers, Fitzgerald will certainly consider dealing his assets to upgrade the current roster.

So, whereas the Devils have three second-round picks today at the upcoming draft, there’s a distinct possibility they could have none on day two on June 28th.

Certainly, the priority for Fitzgerald and Co. is to win, and win now. However, the Devils’ prospect pool lacks forward depth, and will only get weaker without additions.

Friday should bring more clarity on a potential timetable for Markstrom.

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