The New Jersey Devils have a lot to prove in 2025-26. They need to prove they can stay healthy, specifically star player Jack Hughes. They need to show they are on the right track to contention. Timo Meier has to show he’s better than just a March merchant. Luke Hughes needs to earn a contract he has yet to sign.
However, nobody has more to prove than Jacob Markstrom. The Devils' starting goalie was considered a success last season, and many can understand why. He was nails in the playoffs, giving the Devils one of the few bright spots in a five-game ousting at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes. He also had a really good stretch and was the reason the Devils stayed in the playoff race for a while.
We can’t forget what the final numbers looked like. He finished the season with a .900 save percentage. Markstrom has had a save percentage better than .905 once in the past five years.
It’s understandable that a knee injury and the ensuing recovery are the reasons for Markstrom’s lackluster statistics, but Markstrom also has to prove he can avoid an injury. The Devils have a ton to prove, and even after the Devils re-signed Jake Allen to a five-year deal, the team will go as far as Markstrom takes them.
Since it’s August, many outlets are looking at players with a lot to prove. Markstrom has a ton to prove, and it goes beyond just recovering from what happened last year. Markstrom is looking to build the final chapters of his NHL legacy. He has a legit shot to be a top 50 goalie in the history of the league. He’s not Martin Brodeur, but top 50 is not bad for a league that’s been around for a century.
If Markstrom can make a deep playoff run with the Devils, it will do a ton to help his legacy
Despite this, Markstrom was not named as one of the five goalies with the most to prove by The Hockey News. Instead, they mentioned Jeremy Swayman, Thatcher Demko, and reigning MVP Connor Hellebuyck.
On top of his legacy and the impact he has on the Devils franchise, Markstrom is in a contract year. He's 35 years old, and he will be 36 by the time his contract ends. If he is going to avoid going year to year for the rest of his career, Markstrom needs to have a big year.
Many believe the Devils should have considered extending Markstrom this offseason, but that hasn’t happened (yet). It does lock the Devils into a very old and expensive netminder combo, but it might make sense if it keeps the Devils above water until Jakub Malek or Mikhail Yegorov is ready to go.
Markstrom has so much to prove this season, and it’s showing that he isn’t covered like a guy who does. Fans might be surprised to learn his contract ends at the end of next season. Markstrom is looking to prove he can be a contending goalie on a contending team, and the Devils need him to be at his best for them to finally get past the second round, something they haven’t done since 2012.