Flames’ Markstrom named NHL’s first star of week as trade talk swirls

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Commerce rumours, a pair of assists and now a nod as the highest performer within the league for the reason that all-star break … It has been fairly a stretch for Jacob Markstrom.

The Calgary Flames’ stalwart puck-stopper was saluted Monday because the NHL’s first star of the week.

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He was an ideal 3-0 over that span, with a stingy stat line that was highlighted by a .939 save proportion and a couple of.00 goals-against common.

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He even pitched in offensively, accumulating a helper on Noah Hanifin’s power-play marker in Boston and one other on MacKenzie Weegar’s first of three tallies on Lengthy Island.

Monday’s first-star shout-out actually received’t quiet the rumblings that Markstrom may very well be an excellent commerce goal for a contender with issues within the crease. He’d be a significant improve for a number of Stanley Cup hopefuls.

Whereas it’s no secret that the Flames are prepared to area presents on any of their pending free brokers, their go-to goaltender is signed for 2 extra seasons with an annual cap hit of US$6 million. That deal features a full no-move clause, giving Markstrom the suitable to dam any potential swap, however the 34-year-old insisted final week that Flames’ administration will decide his future. He is aware of that Dustin Wolf, presently serving as his backup as Dan Vladar recovers from a lower-body harm, is knocking on the door for a full-time function.

“It’s as much as Calgary, what they wish to do,” Markstrom advised Sportsnet’s Eric Francis in his first feedback on the swirling commerce discuss. “I don’t management it. No matter course they wish to go, and what they wish to do, I’m not going to power something … I’m not going to go up and meet and ask for a commerce, both. I’m right here to play. I’m having fun with day by day and we’ve obtained a terrific group.”

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In that very same interview, Markstrom advised Francis he had not been approached by Flames common supervisor Craig Conroy — or some other staffer on the Saddledome — about waving his no-move safety.

That was, it’s value noting, earlier than ace insider Elliotte Friedman reported throughout Saturday’s Hockey Night time in Canada broadcast that the New Jersey Devils had referred to as to gauge the asking worth and inquire concerning the Flames’ willingness to retain a few of his remaining wage.

“After they ship an e-mail that I’ve obtained to signal one thing to take away my no-move clause, then it’s a unique dialog we’ve gotta have,” Markstrom advised Francis. “However I’m simply enjoying.”

And enjoying rather well.

Monday’s first-star nod was simply the most recent proof of it.

HAIL THE KING

Final month, in the course of the Flames’ dads/mentors journey, Tim Markstrom launched his youthful brother as “the second-best goalie in our household.”

Quickly, Jacob will rank because the second-best goalie that Sweden ever equipped to the NHL.

Heading into Monday’s matchup with the New York Rangers at Madison Sq. Backyard, this fiery competitor from Gavle had cranked out 209 profession victories. Along with his subsequent W, he’ll equal Tommy Salo for second amongst Swedish puck-stoppers.

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High spot, as Markstrom has harassed on a number of events, is probably going out of attain. Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist capped a superb profession with 459 wins on the massive stage.

“That’s the quantity if you’d like it to actually matter,” Markstrom advised reporters shortly after changing into simply the third Swedish netminder to 200. “I noticed (Nikolai) Khabibulin simply signed at 51. I believe, at 51, I received’t be capable to get it both, so I’ve to play to perhaps 60 to get the document.”

Those that hold across the Saddledome are effectively conscious of Markstrom’s reverence for ‘King Henrik,’ now enshrined within the Hockey Corridor of Fame.

Jacob comes from a soccer household — Tim just lately hung up his cleats after guarding these gaping targets on the professional stage — however as he turned his focus to stopping pucks, Lundqvist was amongst his idols.

“Clearly, there have been a number of Swedish goalies earlier than, however he was the one who actually took the beginning job proper from the get-go in New York,” Markstrom advised Postmedia earlier than the Flames’ present road-trip. “After which he obtained the Olympic gold medal (in 2006) that each Swedish hockey participant — each Swedish individual, just about — watched.

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“His profession has been unbelievable. And I had the pleasure to play with him in a number of tournaments. It’s simply every part about him. It’s how he carries himself, how he takes care of himself, how skilled he’s on and off the ice … And on the identical time, we have now a extremely good relationship now, so he’s helped me too.”

ICE CHIPS: Whereas Markstrom earned the highest billing, Florida Panthers masked man Sergei Bobrovsky was tabbed Monday because the NHL’s second star of the week, whereas Montreal Canadiens ahead Nick Suzuki rounded out the alternatives … It’s been a tough go of late for the Calgary Wranglers, who’ve stumbled to a 2-7-1 document of their previous 10 dates. The Flames’ farm-clubbers shall be aiming to get again on observe Tuesday-Wednesday as they host the Manitoba Moose for a two-game set on the Saddledome.

wgilbertson@postmedia.com

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