Jacob Markström

Playing career

Markström signed a two-year contract with the Brynäs IF senior team on 12 May 2008, having previously played for their junior team. The following month, after strong performances in the Elitserien and for Sweden's national under-18 and junior teams, the butterfly-style goaltender was taken 31st overall in the 2008 NHL entry draft as the Florida Panthers' first selection. In 2009–10, he led the Elitserien in save percentage (92.72%) and goals against average (2.01).

On 1 June 2010, the Panthers and Markström agreed to an entry-level contract. He made his NHL debut on 23 January 2011, replacing starter Scott Clemmensen at the start of the second period in a 5–2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, becoming the youngest goaltender to play for the Panthers. After struggling in his first AHL season and suffering a knee injury requiring surgery, he worked to return. With Tomáš Vokoun leaving via free agency, Markström competed for a roster spot at Florida's 2011 training camp and was awarded the backup role when Clemmensen was injured.

He earned his first NHL win on 22 October, playing the third period against the New York Islanders and making 18 saves on 18 shots. During the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, he started in the AHL but was given the full-time NHL role after starter José Théodore suffered a season-ending injury on 2 March 2013.

International play

Jacob Markström suited up for Sweden in three junior international tournaments. At the 2008 World Under-18 Championships, his team placed fourth. The following year, at the 2009 World Juniors, he posted a tournament-best .946 save percentage and a 1.61 goals-against average, good for second among all goalies, as Sweden took silver and he was named the tournament’s best goaltender. In 2010, Sweden earned bronze, and Markström’s .927 save percentage and 2.21 GAA were both second-best in the field.

Making his senior debut at the 2010 World Championship, he played three games and shut out Switzerland. He was part of Sweden’s 2013 World Championship title, serving as backup to Jhonas Enroth and winning both of his starts. For the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, Markström was again the backup. When starter Henrik Lundqvist fell ill, Markström got the nod for Sweden’s opener, backstopping a 2–1 win over Russia. Sweden was eliminated in the semifinals by Team Europe.