It was a season to forget for Calgary Flames netminder Jacob Markstrom.
In his fourth season with the Flames, Markstrom struggled to a 23-23-2 record with a 2.78 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage.
What didn’t make it easy for the netminder was having to face questions about his future in Calgary with the team contemplating a deal involving him ahead of the trade deadline.
“I think it could have been handled a lot different from up top,” Markstrom said when asked by Sportsnet’s Eric Francis about the constant trade rumours surrounding his name back on March 2.
The veteran goaltender has a no-move clause through to the end of his contract, so his future is largely in his hands — he needs to waive that clause in order for the Flames to be able to make a trade.
But when asked at the Flames’ end-of-season media availability where he expected to be next season, Markstrom couldn’t say for certain.
“I don’t know but what I do know is that I love winning hockey games. That’s the competitive side of me, every time I lace up the skates, that’s something I want to accomplish, you want to win hockey games, and I know everyone in that locker room want to win hockey games,” Markstrom said. “That’s pretty much you know, where my head is at right now.
“It’s been a long season and, the playoffs start tomorrow and it’s something you want to be a part of. It’s frustrating, but also you get to go home and spend time with the family. I’ve been away from my son for way too much if you ask my wife. But that’s gonna be nice to spend some time with them.”
When asked again about how the situation was handled by Flames management, Markstrom reiterated that it could’ve been done differently.
“All the rambling could have been not happening. All the talks and all the stuff that was going on throughout the season, starting early in the season until deadline day could have been not happening,” Markstrom said. “Just me focusing on hockey, that’s what I would have appreciated it. Because obviously, I’m still here. So to me, to just be able to focus on the team and, and try to play as good as I can without any distractions that’s what I was mostly pointing at.”
Markstrom said he feels good physically after going through some injuries this season.
When asked if he thought he was going to be moved to the Devils, Markstrom declined to get into any personal conversations he had with management.
He also doesn’t believe his relationship with the front office is strained after what he went through this season.
