- Jacob Markstrom posted a photo in fresh Florida Panthers gear next to his young son, Clark
- The 36-year-old goalie is headed back to the franchise that drafted him 31st overall in 2008
- Read below for the full-circle story and the trade that made it happen
Jacob Markstrom is already dressing the part in South Florida.
The veteran goalie posted a photo this week in brand-new Panthers gear, and he brought a matching sidekick. His son, Clark, wore the same red shirt and Florida cap, with a “LET’S GO PANTHERS!” sign hanging behind them.
The NHL shared the moment:
Markstrom landed in Florida through a trade with the New Jersey Devils earlier this month. That deal pushed two-time Cup winner Sergei Bobrovsky to free agency, and he ended up signing in Toronto.
This is a homecoming. Florida drafted Markstrom 31st overall back in 2008, and he spent his first four NHL seasons with the organization before a 2014 trade sent him to Vancouver in the swap that brought Roberto Luongo back.
Now, 12 years later, the 36-year-old is back where it started. He carries a $6 million cap hit on a two-year deal and steps in as Florida’s starter in net.
The Panthers spelled out the expectation:
A Stanley Cup has eluded Markstrom across stops in Florida, Vancouver, Calgary and New Jersey. He gets his best shot yet with a Panthers roster built to win right now.
His son already looks the part.
