Jacob Markstrom, a Swedish goaltender, has been a recognizable presence in the world of professional hockey. Born on January 31, 1990, in Gävle, Sweden, Markstrom began his professional career in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Brynäs IF. His performances in Sweden caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Florida Panthers in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Markstrom made his NHL debut with the Panthers during the 2010-2011 season. Over the next few years, he split his time between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL), playing for the Panthers' affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage. His time in Florida was marked by a series of ups and downs as he worked to establish himself as a reliable goaltender in the league.
In March 2014, Markstrom was traded to the Vancouver Canucks as part of a deal that sent Roberto Luongo back to Florida. This move proved to be a turning point in his career. Initially, he continued to develop his skills with the Canucks' AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, where he played a crucial role in leading the team to the Calder Cup Finals in 2015. His performance in the AHL helped him secure a more permanent spot on the Canucks' roster.
During his tenure with the Canucks, Markstrom gradually became the team's starting goaltender. His consistent performances earned him recognition as one of the league's more reliable netminders. The 2019-2020 season was particularly noteworthy for Markstrom, as he was named to the NHL All-Star Game, highlighting his growing reputation in the league.
In October 2020, Markstrom signed a six-year contract with the Calgary Flames, marking a new chapter in his career. His arrival in Calgary was met with high expectations, and he quickly became an integral part of the team's lineup. Markstrom's presence in goal provided stability for the Flames, and he continued to deliver strong performances throughout his time with the team.
🏒