Jacob Markstrom, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Devils Legend Martin Brodeur Praises Jacob Markstrom’s Play

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Daniel Amoia | Last updated Mar 2, 2025 5:40 PM ET

The New Jersey Devils just announced that Jacob Markstrom has been activated off injured reserve, after having missed over a month (since Jan. 22) with an MCL sprain. The Swedish netminder had been dominant prior to the injury, playing to an incredible 18-6-4 record, 1.97 goals against average (GAA) and .918 save percentage (SV%) since Oct. 27.

Devils’ legend and three-time Stanley Cup champion, Martin Brodeur, spoke to The Hockey Writers about Markstrom just before his injury: “I feel (Keefe’s in a great spot with him). I think Jacob has been really good so far this year, especially as of late…we’re not (always) getting the run support for both of our goalies. But it’s going to come. We know we have a lot of offense in this locker room, it’s just a matter of time. I think Sheldon’s pretty excited (about Markstrom). Well, you see that by the amount of games that Marky is playing.”

Brodeur’s career SV% was .912, which is coincidentally the exact same as Markstrom’s current season SV%. They now get to work pretty closely with each other, as Brodeur is the Devils’ executive vice president of hockey operations.

Per MoneyPuck, Markstrom is 13th out of 67 NHL goalies (min. 10 games played) with +11.3 goals saved above expected (GSAx). His .888 high danger save percentage (HDSV%) leads the league.

It hasn’t just been Markstrom excelling in net for the Devils though. Combined, their goalies have stopped +33.5 goals above expected, and their team SV% of .906% is second in the league. It’s been a complete 180 from last season, where they were 29th in SV%.

With Markstrom officially back, the Devils are as healthy as they’ve been all season. They’ll now hope to stay that way, upgrade at the trade deadline, and make a strong push come playoff time.