Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood has a new home. The New Jersey Devils have reportedly traded Blackwood to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a sixth-round pick. There’s no information regarding a new contract as of this date.
**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told the @NJDevils are trading G Mackenzie Blackwood to the @SanJoseSharks for a 6th Rd Draft Pick.@espn @NHL @NHLNetwork @TSNHockey @DKSportsbook #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/k8po5G6brI— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 27, 2023
Mackenzie Blackwood Has A New Home
The Mackenzie Blackwood trade does not come as a surprise for many. It has been a tough road for the New Jersey Devils. Filling the void that Martin Brodeur left behind has been an issue for a while. Corey Schneider was a great pickup at the time, but it has been tough since then. In addition, Vitek Vanecek had a great season but before him, it was Mackenzie Blackwood.
2018-19 was the first season for the young goalie. Blackwood was just getting his feet wet in the league. The sample size was small, but he had his best goals against average overall (2.61). However, his best season came during the 2019-20 campaign instilling belief in the fan base and organization. Blackwood had a 2.77 goals against average and a .915 save percentage. In addition, his goals saved above expected was 7.9.
Injuries and his level of play have taken a tumble since. The last two years specifically have been poor for him. His goals against averages have been 3.39 and 3.20 respectively. Furthermore, his save percentages dropped to .892 and .893. In addition, his goals saved above expected was -12.7 followed by -0.9. He was healthy in the 2019-20 season; if he can reach that level again, the Blackwood trade is a game-changer.
What This Trade Means
For The Team
The Mackenzie Blackwood trade is one of those deals that is a gamble. Blackwood offers high reward potential. If he can stay healthy and return to his best year as he had in 2019-20, then this is a great trade for the Sharks. Blackwood is young and can help rebuild around the team for the long haul.
It has been a tough few seasons for Blackwood, but when he is on his game he has shown flashes of brilliance in the net.
Main Photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
