Jacob Markstrom has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the New Jersey Devils, securing his place with the team through the 2027–28 NHL season. The deal is valued at $12 million.
Markstrom expressed satisfaction with his decision to remain in New Jersey. “Yeah, it means a lot,” he said. “To know where you’re gonna be and to keep playing and representing the New Jersey Devils. I want to say thank you to the Blitzer family and their ownership group, Fitzy as well, and obviously my teammates too. They’re a big part of why this is a special place to play in, and the fans of the hockey club. We’re excited, my family’s excited, and for me personally it’s nice to turn the page on this one and just focus on playing hockey.”
Since joining the Devils, Markstrom has become an important figure both on and off the ice. Last season was one of his strongest statistically, contributing to what many consider one of the league’s most effective goaltending partnerships.
“I feel like this is the best place to be and the best team I’ve been on,” Markstrom said. “I’m super excited to continue this journey and see where we can go. I think it’s far, and I want to be a part of it.”
Head coach Sheldon Keefe highlighted Markstrom’s influence within the team: “Marky’s been great on and off the ice,” Keefe said. “He’s a gamer, he’s a competitor. I think he and Jake Allen have a tremendous partnership in the way they work together. To have both guys locked up at such an important position, and for Marky wanting to be here and continue with the group—it makes you feel good as a coach. We can just focus on the hockey now.”
Jake Allen also welcomed news of Markstrom’s extension: “I’m super happy for him,” Allen said. “For him and his family first and foremost. I sorta knew it was going on in the background—we talk a lot. I’m sure it’s a weight off his shoulders to get that done. He really wanted to be here, and I wanted to make sure it wasn’t gonna leave anything to chance. It gives our group some stability moving forward, and it’s a win-win for everyone.”
Allen described their working relationship as strong from early on: “It’s been fun since I got here, and then obviously Marky came in last year. We just have a good connection—we both understand the way each other think and play the game,” he said. “Sometimes that’s hard to find, especially at this point in our careers. I think we both enjoy each other, so I’m happy he’s sticking around.”
He also noted their experience benefits younger players: “I don’t think I’ve been on a team with two goalies this old,” Allen joked. “But we’re leaders in the group. We need to set an example. A lot of our best players are still our youthful players, so there’s a lot we can instill off the ice too—not just be a stable presence back there.”
Markstrom credited goaltending coach Dave Rogalski for helping him improve after joining New Jersey: “He’s been great,” Markstrom said. “He flew to Sweden when I got traded just to come out to my hometown, see how I live, and we worked every day on the ice. From there our relationship just built. I appreciate him and I’m thankful for him coming here every day. He puts in a lot of work that no one really sees, and I’m very appreciative of that.”
With both veteran goalies under contract for multiple seasons ahead, team members believe stability will benefit their performance moving forward.
“We’re on the train tracks,” Markstrom said. “We just have to keep pushing, keep moving forward, and keep getting better every day.”
