Jacob Markstrom Bio
Jacob Anders Markström is a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected 31st overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, he has built a long career across North American and European leagues. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, he is recognized for his size, athleticism, and butterfly style in the net.
Over the course of his career, Markström has suited up for the Brynäs IF of the Swedish Elitserien, the Florida Panthers, the Vancouver Canucks, the Calgary Flames, and the New Jersey Devils. He has also represented Sweden in multiple junior and senior international tournaments, winning a gold medal at the 2013 World Championship.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Markström was born on 31 January 1990 in Gävle, Sweden. He grew up in a country with a deep tradition of ice hockey and developed his skills in local youth programs before joining the junior system of Brynäs IF, one of the most respected clubs in Swedish hockey.
From an early age, Markström showed promise as a goaltender, and his size made him a natural fit for the position. He progressed through the Brynäs IF youth ranks and gained experience representing Sweden in under-18 and junior competitions, performances that helped establish his reputation as one of Sweden’s top young goaltending prospects.
Path to Hockey
Markström signed a two-year contract with the Brynäs IF senior team on 12 May 2008 after developing through the club’s junior program. Following solid performances in the Elitserien and on the international stage with Sweden’s under-18 and junior teams, he was selected 31st overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft as the Florida Panthers’ first choice of the draft.
During the 2009–10 season, Markström led the Elitserien in save percentage at 92.72% and goals against average at 2.01, establishing himself as one of the top goaltenders in Sweden. On 1 June 2010, he agreed to terms on an entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers, paving the way for his move to North America.
Jacob Markstrom Career
Early Career (2008–2011)
Markström began his professional career with Brynäs IF, where he quickly became a starter and posted strong statistics in the Elitserien. His play in Sweden and in international junior tournaments convinced the Florida Panthers to make him a top draft pick in 2008.
On 1 June 2010, Markström signed an entry-level contract with the Panthers, and he made his NHL debut on 23 January 2011, replacing starter Scott Clemmensen in a 5–2 loss to the New Jersey Devils. At the time of his debut, he became the youngest goaltender to ever play for the Panthers.
Florida Panthers Era (2011–2014)
After his debut, Markström was assigned to the Panthers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Rochester Americans, in order to adjust to the North American style of play. He struggled in his first AHL season and also suffered a knee injury that required surgery, but he worked his way back into the Panthers’ plans.
Following the departure of Tomáš Vokoun in free agency, Markström competed for a roster spot at Florida’s 2011 training camp and was awarded the backup role. On 22 October 2011, he earned his first NHL win, stopping all 18 shots he faced in the third period against the New York Islanders. During the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, he assumed the full-time starting role in March 2013 after José Théodore was injured, and he started most of the team’s remaining games.
Vancouver Canucks Era (2014–2020)
On 4 March 2014, Markström was traded, along with Shawn Matthias, to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Roberto Luongo and Steven Anthony. He initially served as a backup in Vancouver behind fellow Swede Eddie Läck.
Markström recorded his first NHL shutout on 5 December 2017, backstopping the Canucks to a 3–0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. On 12 December 2019, he recorded his fourth career shutout with 43 saves in a 1–0 victory over the Hurricanes, tying Cory Schneider for second in franchise history for most shots stopped in a single regular-season game. On 3 January 2020, he was named to his first NHL All-Star Game as a replacement for Marc-André Fleury.
Calgary Flames Era (2020–2024)
On 9 October 2020, Markström signed a six-year, $36 million contract with the Calgary Flames as a free agent. In the pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season, he went 22–19–2 in 43 games but dealt with a mid-season concussion.
The 2021–22 season marked the high point of his career. Playing under new head coach Darryl Sutter, Markström went 37–15–9 with a .922 save percentage and a league-leading nine shutouts. He was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top goaltender. The Flames won the Pacific Division and defeated the Dallas Stars in a seven-game first-round series before falling to the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs.
New Jersey Devils Era (2024–Present)
On 19 June 2024, Markström was traded to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Kevin Bahl and a 2025 first-round draft pick, with Calgary retaining 31.25% of his salary. On 21 November 2024, he made 20 saves in his 500th NHL game as the Devils defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4–2.
On 31 March 2026, Markström fought New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, marking the third goaltender fight of the 2025–26 NHL season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Markström plays a modern butterfly style and uses his 6-foot-6 frame to cover the lower portion of the net effectively. He is known for his composure under pressure, strong rebound control, and ability to track the puck through traffic. His size, positioning, and work ethic have allowed him to log heavy minutes in high-pressure situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights, Markström recorded his first NHL shutout on 5 December 2017 with the Vancouver Canucks and was named to the 2020 NHL All-Star Game. In 2022, he was a Vezina Trophy finalist and helped the Calgary Flames capture the Pacific Division title. In 2024, he appeared in his 500th NHL game with the New Jersey Devils.
Jacob Markstrom International Play
Markström has represented Sweden in several international tournaments at both the junior and senior levels. He played in the 2008 World U-18 Championships, the 2009 and 2010 World Junior Championships, and multiple senior World Championships.
Junior Achievements
At the 2009 World Junior Championships, Markström led all goaltenders with a .946 save percentage and a 1.61 goals against average, earning the Directorate Award for Best Goaltender as Sweden won the silver medal. The following year, at the 2010 World Junior Championships, he posted a .927 save percentage and a 2.21 goals against average, helping Sweden earn bronze.
Senior Achievements
Markström made his senior international debut at the 2010 World Championship, where he recorded a shutout against Switzerland. He won a gold medal with Sweden at the 2013 World Championship, serving as the backup to Jhonas Enroth. In 2016, he was named to Sweden’s roster for the World Cup of Hockey and helped Sweden defeat Russia 2–1 in his only appearance of the tournament.
Jacob Markstrom Family
Family Background and Heritage
Markström was born and raised in Gävle, Sweden. He grew up in a Scandinavian environment surrounded by Sweden’s strong hockey culture, which influenced his development as a goaltender from a young age.
Personal Life
Markström is a Swedish national who has spent much of his professional career living in North America. Limited public information is available about his immediate family, and he tends to keep his personal life private.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025–26 NHL season, Markström continued his role with the New Jersey Devils, where he has been relied upon as one of the team’s veteran goaltenders. Following his 500th career NHL game in November 2024, he provided leadership and stability between the pipes for the Devils.
Throughout the 2025 calendar year, Markström remained a key figure in the Devils’ goaltending tandem, contributing strong performances in a competitive Metropolitan Division. On 31 March 2026, he was involved in a rare goaltender fight against Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers, highlighting his competitive presence.
Looking ahead, Markström is expected to remain a central part of the Devils’ goaltending plans. With the team competing for a playoff position, his experience, size, and track record of high-level performances position him as a key contributor for New Jersey in the seasons to come.
