Devils Trade Jacob Markstrom & Angus Crookshank to Panthers for Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and Ben Steeves

Key Points:

• The New Jersey Devils have traded goaltender Jacob Markstrom and AHL forward Angus Crookshank to the Florida Panthers in exchange for forwards Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and Ben Steeves, with the Devils not retaining any salary on Markstrom’s contract.
• This trade allows the Devils to clear Markstrom’s $6 million cap hit for the 2027-28 season and creates approximately $1.5 million in cap space ahead of free agency, providing greater roster flexibility.
• Rodrigues is a versatile forward with one year left on his contract, known for his defensive reliability and penalty killing, while Boqvist, a former Devils draft pick, offers a physical, defensively sound presence likely to replace departing forward Paul Cotter; Steeves is a promising AHL winger yet to make his NHL debut.
• The Devils now face questions regarding their goaltending situation, with Jake Allen as the current number one goalie and potential opportunities for Nico Daws or other acquisitions, though they have not pursued top goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
• This trade is viewed as a strategic win for the Devils, offloading a burdensome contract without losing draft capital, while Florida reacquires Markstrom to bolster their goaltending on a Cup-contending team.