On June 21[SUP]st[/SUP], 2008 then Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin made a good decision, one of the few during his tenure with the franchise. He used the 31[SUP]st[/SUP] pick in the NHL Entry Draft, first of the second-round, which he had acquired in a trade on June 13, 2007 that sent Chris Gratton to Tampa Bay, to select goaltending prospect Jacob Markstrom.
Well after some years of development, Jacob Markstrom got his first NHL start earlier this season, and faced 32 shots from Washington Capitals offense, allowing just two goals in what can only be seen as a stellar debut. Markstrom was huge when the Panthers drafted him at 6’3 and he has grown since then to a 6’6 frame that occupies a lot of space in front of the goal. Unlike most bigger goalies however, Markstrom possesses incredible agility, quick lateral movement, and speed as well as solid technical skills. Markstrom has also shown adaptability and has learned well how to cover the sharper angles and smaller size of North American rinks. Originally expected to play another year in the AHL, an injury to goalie Scott Clemmensen has opened the gate for Markstrom to start the year as an NHL backup, and his performance may give him the chance to become an NHL starter.
