With NHL Draft weekend in the books, we got a better idea of how Calgary Flames’ management is trying to shape their club, but we also got a much better look at how the Jacob Markstrom trade from last summer is panning out.

On June 19, 2024, Calgary dealt Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils for their 2025 first-round pick (18th overall) and defenceman Kevin Bahl. Additionally, the Flames retained 31.25% of Markstrom’s cap hit ($1.875 million) for the final two years of his contract.

Over the past few days, we’ve gotten more context on the two assets the Flames acquired in that deal.

For starters, Calgary made the selection they received from the Devils on Friday night during the first round of the NHL Draft, they ended up taking Cole Reschny, a 5’11”, 183-pound centreman.

Reschny is a nice value pick in the latter half of the opening round. He played a well-rounded game in the Western Hockey League last season, punctuated by his 117 points in 73 total games with the Victoria Royals.

The Macklin, Saskatchewan native is set to play for the University of North Dakota next season, joining fellow Flames’ prospect Cade Littler.

At the time of the Markstrom trade, the first-rounder was thought to be its anchor, as the most valuable asset coming back to the Flames. However, last season Kevin Bahl made the case that he was in fact the centrepiece of the return, by becoming a mainstay in Calgary’s top-4.

Bahl did just about everything he was asked to do in 2024-25, his first full season as a Flame. He averaged 21:23 minutes of ice time which was third most on the team, and used his 6-foot-6, 230-pound frame to provide defensive stability night in and night out.

Additionally, Bahl set career highs in goals (3) and assists (17).

On Sunday, June 29, Bahl and the Flames agreed to a six-year contract extension worth $5.35 Million AAV, locking the two-way blueliner up into his 30s.

As of now, Bahl is the only left-handed defenceman on the roster who is under contract, the 25-year-old’s role is set in stone.

Markstrom, now 35, played in 49 regular season games for the Devils last season, sporting a 26-16-6 record, a .900 save percentage and a 2.50 goals against average. The Swedish goaltender also started in all five of the Devils’ playoff games.

After last weekend’s developments, the Markstrom trade now looks like this:

Devils Receive:

• G Jacob Markstrom (31.25% retained)

Flames Receive:

• D Kevin Bahl + 6 year, $5.35M AAV extension
• 2025 First-Round Pick (Cole Reschny)

The Markstrom trade just looks better and better for the Flames, the pick they receive ends up being a quality, mid-first selection and translates into their current top centre prospect.

And the young player in Kevin Bahl looks to be a key cog on the back end for the better part of the next decade.