The NHL off-season got started in a big way this past week with two blockbuster trades, and it was the move of New Jersey to acquire Jacob Markstrom that could be the biggest move of the summer. Although he's 34-years of age, Markstrom is now the Devils No. 1 moving forward and will help the team push for a Stanley Cup, but they weren't the only team in on the veteran.
Unsurprisingly, the Toronto Maple Leafs were interested, given that Brad Treliving was the man to sign Markstrom to the Flames in the first place, and according to a recent report, they made a very similar offer to Calgary.
It's not clear what the deal was, but with Markstrom having a full no-movement clause, he controlled the destination, and it appears he wasn't interested in heading to Toronto. Given the pressure that comes with playing in the NHL's biggest media market, he can't be blamed for that, but now, the Maple Leafs need to look elsewhere to make a blockbuster move, as they will need goaltending help if 2025 is the year they make a run at the Cup.