The Florida Panthers do not expect Jacob Markstrom to miss significant time following his early exit during Monday’s 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Head coach Paul Maurice indicated that the decision to remove the goaltender after the first period was a precaution, noting that the player felt some tightness. Despite the withdrawal, the team does not believe the veteran netminder sustained any actual injury. Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr’s support following 4 Nations drama.
NHL analyst Katie Engleson reported on the comments provided by Maurice following the matchup. Markstrom had stopped nine of 11 shots before leaving the game. Akira Schmid replaced him for the remainder of the contest, recording 18 saves on 21 shots as Florida eventually fell to the Sabres. The team faces the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, and if Markstrom reports no further discomfort, he remains a candidate to suit up for the upcoming match.
Markstrom’s return to the Panthers organization comes after a challenging stint with the New Jersey Devils. During his final season in New Jersey, he appeared in 44 games, finishing with a 23-19-1 record, a 3.07 goals-against average, and an.883 save percentage—his lowest mark since 2014. His campaign was hampered by physical setbacks, including a lower-body issue and knee concerns that forced him to miss time, though an MRI ultimately confirmed the absence of major structural damage requiring surgery.
The veteran goaltender, now 36, is currently playing under a two-year, $12 million extension signed in November 2025. That contract, which carries a $6 million annual cap hit, remains active following his trade to Florida on June 30, 2026. This move brings Markstrom back to the franchise that originally selected him 31st overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. He spent his first four seasons in South Florida before being traded to Vancouver in 2014 in the transaction that facilitated Roberto Luongo’s return to the Panthers. General manager Bill Zito expressed approval of the reunion, which adds an experienced piece to the goaltending rotation. The move marks a return to familiar surroundings for the 36-year-old.
Beyond his NHL responsibilities, Markstrom recently represented Sweden during the 2026 Winter Olympics, helping his national team reach the tournament quarterfinals.
