Markstrom out 4-6 weeks with MCL sprain

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom will miss four-to-six weeks due to an MCL sprain sustained Wednesday against the Boston Bruins, the team announced.

Markstrom will miss all of New Jersey's games leading up to February's 4 Nations Face-Off and is likely to be replaced on Sweden's roster.

Sweden's other netminders are Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators, who is also dealing with injury concerns, and Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild.

Markstrom got hurt after a heavy collision in the crease with Bruins forward Justin Brazeau.

Markstrom is 21-9-5 with three shutouts this season along with a .912 save percentage and 2.20 goals against average. He's shaken off a rocky start to his tenure in New Jersey, posting a .924 clip in 18 starts since Dec. 1.

The Devils acquired Markstrom from the Calgary Flames in a blockbuster trade in June. Improved netminding is a key reason New Jersey has rebounded from a disappointing 2023-24 campaign - the club currently sits third in the Metropolitan Division with 60 points.

Jake Allen is likely to take over starting duties with Markstrom out of action.