Jacob Markstrom, the talented goaltender who recently signed with the Calgary Flames, had garnered interest from several Eastern teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators before ultimately choosing to join the Flames. Many fans and analysts were left wondering why Markstrom seemed to favor Eastern teams over Western ones. Here are a few reasons that may have influenced his decision:

1. Proximity to home: Markstrom hails from Gavle, Sweden, and playing for an Eastern team would have allowed him to be closer to his family and friends back in Europe. The shorter travel distance could have been a significant factor in his decision-making process.

2. Competitive teams: Both the Maple Leafs and Senators have shown promise in recent years and are considered to be competitive teams in the Eastern Conference. Markstrom may have been attracted to the opportunity to play for a team with a strong chance of making a deep playoff run.

3. Playing in a hockey-crazed market: Toronto and Ottawa are both cities with passionate fan bases and a rich hockey history. Playing for either of these teams would have given Markstrom the chance to experience the excitement and pressure of playing in a market where hockey is a way of life.

4. Potential for endorsement deals: Being in a larger market like Toronto could have presented Markstrom with more opportunities for endorsement deals and off-ice opportunities. This could have been an appealing factor for the goaltender looking to expand his brand and reach.

Ultimately, Markstrom’s decision to sign with the Flames was likely influenced by a combination of factors, including the team’s competitive roster, his comfort level with the organization, and the opportunity to play in a city like Calgary. While he may have considered Eastern teams like the Maple Leafs and Senators, in the end, he chose what he felt was the best fit for him both on and off the ice.