Jacob Markstrom Bio
Jacob Anders Markström, born on 31 January 1990 in Gävle, Sweden, is a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 198 centimeters tall and weighing 89 kilograms, he has built a reputation as one of the league’s most technically sound netminders, known for his calm positioning and butterfly style. Drafted 31st overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2008 NHL entry draft, Markström has suited up for the Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, and Calgary Flames before arriving in New Jersey.
Internationally recognized for representing Sweden at multiple levels, Markström has earned medals at both junior and senior tournaments, including a gold medal at the 2013 IIHF World Championship. His career trajectory, from the Swedish Hockey League to a Vezina Trophy finalist nod with Calgary, reflects steady development and resilience through early professional adversity.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Anders Markström was born on 31 January 1990 in Gävle, a coastal city in central Sweden known for its strong hockey tradition. Growing up in a country where ice hockey is a national passion, he was introduced to the sport at a young age and progressed through local youth programs before joining the junior ranks of Brynäs IF, one of Sweden’s most established hockey clubs.
At Brynäs, Markström developed the technical foundations that would later define his professional career. Coaches within the club’s development system helped him refine his butterfly technique, a goaltending style that relies on dropping to the knees to cover the lower portion of the net. His performances at the junior level attracted attention from both Swedish Hockey League clubs and NHL scouts, setting the stage for his transition to professional hockey.
Path to Hockey
Markström signed a two-year contract with the Brynäs IF senior team on 12 May 2008, marking his entry into the Swedish Hockey League. That same period, he represented Sweden in the Under-18 and World Junior tournaments, posting strong numbers that confirmed his status as a top-tier prospect.
In June 2008, the Florida Panthers selected him 31st overall in the 2008 NHL entry draft, making him the club’s first choice of that class. During the 2009–10 Elitserien season, Markström led the league in save percentage at 92.72% and goals against average at 2.01, statistics that underscored his readiness for North American hockey. On 1 June 2010, the Panthers and Markström agreed to terms on an entry-level contract, officially launching his North American professional career.
Jacob Markstrom Career
Early Career (2008–2011)
Markström’s transition to the NHL began on 23 January 2011, when he made his debut at the Prudential Center in Newark, replacing starter Scott Clemmensen at the start of the second period in a loss against the New Jersey Devils. Upon his debut, he became the youngest goaltender to play for the Panthers.
Following his debut, the Panthers sent Markström to their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, where he adjusted to the North American game. He struggled during his first AHL season and underwent knee surgery in South Florida, but worked his way back into contention for an NHL role. When Tomáš Vokoun departed via free agency, Markström earned the backup role during the 2011 training camp. On 22 October 2011, he recorded his first NHL win, stopping all 18 shots he faced in the third period against the New York Islanders.
Florida Panthers Era (2011–2014)
Markström began the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season in the AHL, but an injury to starter José Théodore on 2 March 2013 elevated him to a de facto full-time role. He started most of Florida’s remaining games that season, gaining valuable NHL experience and confidence.
Heading into the 2013–14 season, Markström signed a two-year contract extension and was expected to claim the starting job after Théodore was not retained. However, the Panthers signed Tim Thomas, and Markström was again assigned to the AHL. On 4 March 2014, he was traded, along with forward Shawn Matthias, to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Roberto Luongo and Steven Anthony, ending his tenure in Florida.
Vancouver Canucks Era (2014–2020)
Markström began his Canucks career as the backup behind fellow Swede Eddie Läck. After clearing waivers at the start of the 2014–15 season and spending time with the Utica Comets in the AHL, he was recalled when Ryan Miller suffered an injury. On 22 March 2015, Markström earned his first win of the season, stopping 26 of 27 shots in a 3–1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes. He was re-signed to a two-year, one-way contract on 29 June 2015 and later inked a three-year extension on 7 July 2016.
On 5 December 2017, Markström recorded his first NHL shutout, backstopping the Canucks to a 3–0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. He built on that performance over the following seasons, and on 12 December 2019, he stopped 43 shots in a 1–0 victory over the Hurricanes, tying Cory Schneider’s franchise record for most shots stopped in a regular-season game. On 3 January 2020, he was named to his first NHL All-Star Game, replacing Marc-André Fleury of the Vegas Golden Knights.
Calgary Flames Era (2020–2024)
On 9 October 2020, Markström signed a six-year, $36 million contract with the Calgary Flames as a free agent. In the pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season, he posted a 22–19–2 record in 43 games despite battling a concussion caused by a collision with Tanner Pearson. The Flames narrowly missed the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, finishing behind the Montreal Canadiens in the all-Canadian North Division.
The 2021–22 season marked the peak of Markström’s career. Under coach Darryl Sutter, he went 37–15–9 with a .922 save percentage and a league-leading nine shutouts. Named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender, he guided Calgary to the Pacific Division title and into the 2022 playoffs. The Flames outlasted the Dallas Stars in a seven-game first-round series before falling to the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of the Battle of Alberta. Markström struggled in that second-round series with an .852 save percentage.
New Jersey Devils Era (2024–Present)
On 19 June 2024, the Calgary Flames traded Markström to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenceman Kevin Bahl and a 2025 first-round draft pick. Calgary retained 31.25% of his salary, bringing his cap hit to $4.125 million. On 21 November 2024, Markström made 20 saves in his 500th NHL game as the Devils defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4–2, a milestone moment early in his New Jersey tenure.
Playing Style and Strengths
Markström is a textbook butterfly goaltender who relies on sound positional play, strong rebound control, and exceptional patience. Standing 198 centimeters tall, he covers the lower portion of the net efficiently and uses his size to track the puck through traffic. His calm demeanor in high-pressure situations has allowed him to perform strongly in playoff environments and earn the trust of teammates and coaches throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Markström’s most memorable career moments are his 43-save shutout against the Carolina Hurricanes on 12 December 2019, his first NHL All-Star selection in January 2020, and his 500th NHL game with the Devils on 21 November 2024. His Vezina Trophy finalist season in 2021–22 and his role in the Calgary Flames’ seven-game series victory over the Dallas Stars remain defining chapters of his professional journey.
Jacob Markstrom Career Highlights
Across the Swedish Hockey League, the NHL, and international competition, Jacob Anders Markström has assembled a résumé highlighted by statistical excellence and durability. From leading the Elitserien in save percentage and goals against average during the 2009–10 season to recording nine shutouts and a Vezina Trophy nomination in 2021–22, his body of work reflects consistent high-level performance.
NHL Highlights
Markström has produced multiple standout NHL seasons, most notably 2021–22 with Calgary, when he posted a 37–15–9 record, a .922 save percentage, and nine shutouts. He earned his first NHL All-Star nod on 3 January 2020 while with the Vancouver Canucks and recorded his first NHL shutout on 5 December 2017 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
International Highlights
Representing Sweden, Markström won a silver medal at the 2009 World Junior Championships, earning the Directorate Award for best goaltender. He added a bronze medal at the 2010 World Juniors and contributed to Sweden’s gold medal at the 2013 IIHF World Championship, where he won both of his appearances as Jhonas Enroth’s backup. He was also named to Sweden’s roster for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Jacob Markstrom Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jacob Anders Markström was raised in Gävle, Sweden, and developed his hockey skills within the country’s robust youth system. Details of his immediate family background remain outside the scope of publicly verified information.
Personal Life
Markström is a Swedish national who has spent his professional career between Sweden and North America. He is recognized for his professionalism and consistency in both club and international settings.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Jacob Markström’s first full campaign with the New Jersey Devils following his June 2024 trade from the Calgary Flames. Acquired to stabilize the Devils’ goaltending position, he arrived with a manageable cap hit of $4.125 million and immediate veteran presence in the locker room. Reaching his 500th NHL game on 21 November 2024 underscored his durability and the organization’s confidence in his long-term outlook.
Throughout the early portion of the 2025 season, Markström has served as a central figure in New Jersey’s push for a return to the Stanley Cup playoffs. His combination of size, experience, and technical refinement has provided the Devils with consistency in net, allowing the team’s defensive structure to settle into rhythm. The partnership between Markström and the Devils’ coaching staff has continued to evolve as the season progresses, with the goaltender providing steady performances against divisional rivals.
Looking ahead to the latter stages of the 2025 campaign, the Devils are positioned to lean heavily on Markström’s veteran leadership during the stretch run and potential playoff push. With his contract running through 2026 and his game still trending upward, Markström remains a foundational piece of the New Jersey roster and a key figure in the franchise’s competitive ambitions.