Three potential landing spots for Mackenzie Blackwood

Blackwood's tenure with the Devils is coming to an end. Where might he end up next?

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Mackenzie Blackwood’s days as a member of the New Jersey Devils are very clearly numbered.

Once the apparent goalie of the future, Blackwood’s stock has fallen through the floor over the last couple of years.

He has posted a sub .895 save percentage two seasons in a row while dealing with an abundance of issues beyond his play.

Getting vaccinated was rumoured to be a big point of contention a couple of years ago. Not to mention, the very poor handling of Blackwood while fighting through injury during the 2021-22 campaign.

If Blackwood was performing on the ice, perhaps some of these issues would be glossed over. That obviously hasn’t been the case.

Blackwood’s performance has been up and down, to say the least, while those around him have had little problem getting the job done.

Playoffs aside, Vitek Vanecek had a very solid regular season. Akira Schmid handled himself admirably all year long and even Nico Daws looks capable of playing in the NHL in short spurts if necessary.

With Blackwood struggling, and the goaltending depth chart in as good of shape as it has been in a long time, there’s no need to try and force a square peg in a round hole with Blackwood.

I think the Devils will be moving on from Blackwood in the next month or so, be it via trade or simply not tendering a QO and walking him to free agency (the latter is less likely, in my opinion).

So, where might Blackwood end up playing next season? I have a few ideas.

Winnipeg Jets

No, not because I see the Devils and Jets coming together on a Connor Hellebuyck deal (although, I guess it’s possible).

David Rittich started only four games from February 24th onwards. He posted an .875 save percentage or worse in all four and lost every one of them. His season as a whole was OK but his play deteriorated down the stretch to the point where Rick Bowness felt he had to play Hellebuyck each and every night.

The Jets were desperate for points to get into the playoffs, of course, but perhaps they’d have given Hellebuyck a little more rest if they were remotely confident in the guy behind him.

I think it is possible – if not likely – the Jets move on from Rittich; and I could see Blackwood being someone of interest.

For all his faults, Blackwood did show a lot of promise earlier in his career. He was a highly touted prospect coming out of Barrie – the Jets have signed and drafted a lot of former Colts under Kevin Cheveldayoff – and he’s still only 26.

The Jets may want to gamble on someone with a little more ‘upside’ and Blackwood brings that. He is frustratingly inconsistent but he’s a high variance goaltender who, at his best, can completely steal games. He did so against playoff teams like the Bruins, Panthers, Kraken, and Kings just last season.

At 6’4’ and well over 200 pounds, Blackwood also carries the exact same frame as Hellebuyck. The Jets may feel they know how to work with someone of his archetype.

Los Angeles Kings