Markstrom: Flames could handle my situation better

Jacob Markstrom doesn't seem thrilled with how the Calgary Flames' front office has dealt with his future ahead of the trade deadline.

The goaltender, who's been a prime candidate to be dealt despite being under contract through 2025-26, lauded his teammates' response but doesn't view the efforts of management the same way.

"Every player in here, I really respect them (considering) everything that's been going on and not going on," he told the media, including TSN, on Friday. "How everyone in this room has handled everything I think has been really good. And then the whole situation and everything, am I happy about that? No, I'm not, and I think it could've been handled a lot different from up top."

In early February, Markstrom said a potential trade was "up to Calgary." About a week later, it was reported the Flames and New Jersey Devils had discussed a possible deal involving the netminder.

The Devils got back in touch with the Flames this week to reiterate their interest in him, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported Friday.

The 34-year-old has a full no-movement clause on his contract, which carries a $6-million cap hit, per CapFriendly. The talks with the Devils reportedly didn't progress enough for the Flames to ask Markstrom to waive the clause.

Calgary traded defenseman Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday and also sent Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov to the Vancouver Canucks in separate deals ahead of the March 8 deadline.

The Flames promoted former captain Craig Conroy to general manager last May after Brad Treliving vacated the role to join the Toronto Maple Leafs in the same capacity.