Canucks: Exploring the rise of goalie Jacob Markstrom
By Joshua Rey
Vancouver Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom has been stellar for the last two seasons. Let’s take a look at his rise to becoming a number one.
Jacob Markstrom has settled in nicely as the Vancouver Canucks‘ top netminder, and he’s one of the NHL’s best at the position.
He was named team MVP in 2018-19 and had the 2019-20 season continued (it could in the summer, but that’s another story), Markstrom would have likely earned the honours again.
Markstrom was once touted as an elite goalie prospect, but he wasn’t able to live up to expectations with the Florida Panthers. Six years ago, he was traded to Vancouver via the Roberto Luongo blockbuster. For a while, it looked like he would never live up to expectations. Over the past two seasons, however, he has become a fortress in the crease.
Let’s take a look back on Markstrom’s career, and how he developed into a wall.
The beginning
The Panthers drafted Markstrom with the 31st overall pick in the 2008 NHL draft.
“We got a guy projected as a franchise elite, No. 1 goalie,” said Scott Luce, the Panthers’ director of amateur scouting after the draft. (Now director of amateur scouting with the Vegas Golden Knights.) “For him to slip to No. 31 is a good day for us. He’s a big, athletic goaltender who’s a real competitor and who was a leader on the national team. That speaks volumes for his character.”
Markstrom was also described by then-GM, Jacques Martin as a “prospect who has the potential to be a No. 1 goalie.”
After the draft, Markstrom went back to Sweden to continue to play for Brynas IF of the SHL. He became the team’s starter and in 2008-09, he won 13 games with a 2.38 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage with three shutouts. He also played at the World Juniors and led Sweden to a silver medal. Brynas made it to the quarterfinals of the Swedish Playoffs, where they were swept by Färjestad.
The next year, Markstrom’s numbers improved with 21 wins, five shutouts, a 2.01 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. Brynas made it to the quarterfinals again, only to lose to Djurgården in five games. He also led Sweden to a bronze medal at the World Juniors. In March of 2010, he signed an entry-level deal with the Panthers.