In 2021-22 Jacob Markstrom finished the season as a Vezina Trophy finalist, compiling the best statistical season of his 13-year career. His contract, valued at $6 million average annual value (AAV), appeared to be a bargain, thanks to a 35-15-9 record in 63 games. Moreover, he led all netminders with nine shutouts and finished fourth in wins, tying Darcy Kuemper of the eventual Stanley Cup Champion, the Colorado Avalanche.
The Calgary Flames had a well-documented offseason with star players trading places, leading many to believe that the 2022-23 team would be even better. Markstrom should have used the previous season to springboard himself into goalie immortality this year by earning a Vezina win and leading his All-Star-caliber team to a Stanley Cup title. However, since the season started, the Swedish netminder has not been sharp, and timely goals against have hurt the Flames, who continue to struggle to find wins. The situation has gotten to the point where backup Dan Vladar is now getting more starts as Markstrom continues to work on his game in practice.
The Flames’ crease used to belong to him, but a rocky start in a critical season for the franchise has made headlines across the league. Moreover, Markstrom is on the books with a hefty price tag, which ranks as the seventh-highest goalie contract in the NHL, according to figures taken from Spotrac.com. Interestingly, he is in a select group of players who make top dollar for their position, but he’s not the only one struggling right now.
NHL’s Highest-Paid Goalies
In case anyone forgot, the highest-paid netminder in the NHL for 2022-23 is Carey Price ($12.5 million AAV), who has played 298 minutes (five games) since losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Last season, he spent most of the year in rehab and is currently dealing with a significant knee injury that may prevent him from ever playing again. The former Hart Trophy winner could end up joining a short list of Hall of Famers whose career was cut short due to injuries; however, until he officially hangs up his skates, his contract remains on the books in Montreal.
Related: Flames’ Vladar Slowly Stealing Net from Struggling Markstrom
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