Oilers fans might witness a familiar face between the pipes on Thursday night in Edmonton, as the Oilers face off against the New Jersey Devils. With the Oilers navigating a complex three-goalie situation, a reunion with former Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom is a distinct possibility.
Markstrom, now with the New Jersey Devils, was traded by the Calgary Flames in June 2024 in exchange for defenseman Kevin Bahl and a 2025 first-round pick. The Flames subsequently used that pick to draft Cole Reschny. While Markstrom was considered a Vezina-caliber goalie during his time with the Flames, his performance with the Devils has been mixed.
The Oilers' current goaltending situation is particularly intricate. Tristan Jarry, acquired in a trade to solidify the crease, has recently returned from injury. Connor Ingram was called up from the AHL's Bakersfield Condors while Jarry was sidelined and has performed well. Calvin Pickard, the team's third goalie, has also shown he is a capable NHL goaltender.
Coach Kris Knoblauch has acknowledged the challenge of managing three goalies, emphasizing the need to evaluate Jarry's conditioning post-injury while also giving Ingram an opportunity to prove himself. The Oilers have been alternating Jarry and Ingram in recent games. Jarry started Tuesday night's game against the Devils.
The presence of three goalies on the roster limits the team's flexibility and creates uncertainty. With Ingram no longer waiver-exempt, the Oilers risk losing him or Pickard if they attempt to assign either to the AHL. Some reports suggest the Oilers might consider trading Pickard, with the Philadelphia Flyers potentially interested.
The Oilers have recently achieved back-to-back shutouts, highlighting the importance of strong goaltending. However, with Jarry back from injury and Ingram playing well, the Oilers face a tough decision regarding their goaltending depth. The team placed Jarry on long-term injured reserve earlier this month, but he has since been activated.
For Markstrom, the trade to New Jersey offered a fresh start with a team aiming for contention. However, his numbers this season have been inconsistent, and he has, at times, been outshone by Jake Allen. Despite this, Markstrom signed a contract extension with the Devils.
Whether Markstrom starts on Thursday night remains to be seen, but the possibility adds an intriguing storyline to the game. Oilers fans may well get a glimpse of a familiar face, while the Oilers management continues to navigate their own complex goaltending puzzle.
