During the NHL offseason, news broke that Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck privately requested a trade. The Florida Panthers were reportedly on his trade list, as they desperately needed a goalie after Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov departed via free agency. However, it seems the Buffalo Sabres were the only team that came close to landing the former Hart Trophy winner at the NHL Draft. Instead, Bill Zito pivoted and traded for Jacob Markström from the New Jersey Devils, bringing the Swedish netminder back to the franchise that drafted him in 2008. Pundits across the league didn’t believe that the 36-year-old would be the answer in goal. However, through three starts, Markström has been up to the task.
Markström turning back the clock for Panthers
Last year with the Devils, who missed the playoffs like the Panthers, Markström had a rough campaign, posting a 23-19-1 record in 44 games, but some of the worst stats of his career, with an .883 SV% and 3.07 GAA. He last posted these numbers in Florida from 2010 to 2014, when he posted his worst totals in his early 20s.
During his six full seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, Markström never posted a sub-.900 SV% or a GAA above 3.00. However, in his first seven games, split between the 2013 and 2014 seasons, he didn’t post strong totals, but as a starter or backup, he improved with a larger workload. As the Calgary Flames starter for six seasons, Markström posted only one season with an SV% under .900 in 2022-23, finishing with a .892 SV% in 59 games. Yet, he still finished with a respectable 2.92 GAA.
Although Markström hasn't come close to matching his career-best 2021-22 campaign, when he led the NHL with nine shutouts and posted a .922 SV% and 2.22 GAA, he's off to a hot start with the Panthers in 2026-27. Behind a talent-laden lineup built for a deep playoff run, he's posted a .927 SV% and 1.27 GAA, with a shutout already in just three starts. Expectations are high in Florida right now, and there’s no doubt Markström will have some bad games down the stretch, but he’s already started to silence the doubters who thought he couldn’t be the answer at this point in his career.
Panthers appear to have made the better offseason choice
As everyone knows, Hellebuyck didn’t report to Jets training camp and was suspended by the team. According to the fan-created website Hellebucks.com, Hellebuyck has already forfeited an estimated $450,000 in salary. At this point, Florida has no reason to call Winnipeg to ask about Hellebuyck, since he hasn’t played competitive hockey since April. The regular season is already two weeks in, and the longer he sits out, the rustier he’ll be when he returns.
If anyone wants a quick refresher of a similar situation, look no further than the Boston Bruins. Two years ago, Jeremy Swayman missed the entire preseason amid a contract dispute. Although he signed before Opening Night, he struggled to regain his previous form, and Boston ultimately missed the playoffs.
Meanwhile, in Toronto, Bobrovsky is off to a rough start, with a 0-2-1 record and no wins. However, he’s posted a .906 SV% and 2.96 GAA, both better than his last year with the Panthers. The Maple Leafs have a mix of young and veteran talent and a 2-2-1 record in five games, so once they gel, the Original Six club could challenge for a playoff spot.
Heading into Saturday evening's home opener, the Panthers appear to be the biggest winners of the offseason goalie shuffle. With Markström, Hellebuyck, and Bobrovsky linked together for the 2026-27 season, tracking how each one performs throughout the year will be a fascinating storyline to follow.
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