The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers have pending unrestricted free-agent goaltender Jacob Markstrom on their radar, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reports.
Markstrom is coming off a career year, during which he posted a .918 save percentage, 2.75 goals-against average, and 11.4 goals saved above average (11th best in the league) in 43 games for the Vancouver Canucks.
Vancouver's two Western Canadian foes are in need of help between the pipes. The Flames and Oilers signed each other's goalies last offseason, but Cam Talbot and Mike Smith are now both pending UFAs. Calgary still has David Rittich signed and Edmonton has Mikko Koskinen in the fold, but the 30-year-old Markstrom would represent an upgrade for both teams.
The door isn't closed on Markstrom returning to Vancouver, Lebrun adds. However, Thatcher Demko's sensational postseason performance showed he may be ready to become a No. 1 goaltender. The 24-year-old posted a .985 save percentage and 0.64 goals-against average in four playoff games.
If Markstrom signs elsewhere, the Canucks may have some cap space on their hands. Fellow UFA Tyler Toffoli is unlikely to return, and RFA defenseman Troy Stecher wasn't extended a qualifying offer.
The Canucks are reportedly one of the two teams eyeing a trade for Arizona Coyotes blue-liner Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
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