Devils cut cord with Blackwood, deal him to Sharks

Tom Fitzgerald landed a dart throw in this year's draft in exchange for the 26-year-old netminder.

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The New Jersey Devils pulled off a trade on the eve of draft night, shipping Mackenzie Blackwood to San Jose in exchange for a 6th round pick in this year’s draft.

Blackwood, 26, was a restricted free agent the Devils had zero intention of retaining. A qualifying offer to keep his rights would’ve come attached with a $3.36 million price tag, which is far too rich given a) his level of play the past two years and; b) the Devils have no need for him.

Vitek Vanecek had a strong (regular) season as the 1A goaltender and is signed for two more years at a reasonable cap hit of $3.4 million annually.

With Akira Schmid looking every bit ready for an NHL gig – be it as a backup or a platoon option – the ship has more than sailed for Blackwood. They have two options drastically better than he.

There was no need for GM Tom Fitzgerald to grasp at straws in hopes that the 47th time would be the charm and Blackwood could develop into the goaltender it once appeared he’d become.

Simply put, Blackwood clearly would not factor into the Devils’ top two next season – regardless if Fitzgerald deems the tandem of Vanecek/Schmid good enough or not.

Getting a lottery ticket in the draft for a player the Devils would’ve almost certainly walked away from next week – for nothing – is a nice little bonus.

With regards to why the Sharks were willing to pull the trigger on a deal, it’s a low cost gamble on a 26-year-old who once looked like he’d be a quality netminder in this league.

The Sharks *still* have 11 picks in this draft and will no doubt accumulate more for future drafts as they continue to tear down the roster and look towards the future. They could spare a late round dart to throw one of their own on Blackwood.

Prior to the pandemic, and injuries, Blackwood looked like at worst a platoon option. It’s not insane to think a change of scenery could do him well and he can stabilize himself as a viable option at this level.

If he even proves worthy of a backup role for the future, a 6th round pick is not an egregious price to pay.

By acquiring Blackwood now – rather than waiting a week to pursue him – the Sharks have the ability to qualify him and maintain his rights.

It’s no longer a matter of will he sign in San Jose or will he sign somewhere else on the open market. The Sharks are now the only option.

This move will likely be rather inconsequential in the grand scheme of things but it’s a small victory for Fitzgerald and, well, they add up.

numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com and CapFriendly.com

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