The New Jersey Devils have been putting off a major decision in net for as long as possible, but it’s becoming clear that the goaltender position is still in flux.
Mackenzie Blackwood was not with the New Jersey Devils as they returned from the All-Star Break because he was playing in the AHL All-Star Game. He was representing the North with teammate John Quenneville.
They ended up winning the entire tournament, just like Kyle Palmieri did representing the Devils in the NHL All-Star Game (although, I don’t think they get a share of $1 million). It could only work to help his confidence going into the next phase of the season.
After the tournament was over, Blackwood is expected to come right to the New Jersey Devils. That was always the expectation.
Then, Blackwood made a peculiar statement after the game. This is what he told Mike Ashmore about his status with the NHL squad:
"“If I could make it happen, I would. It’s out of your hands, and you have to not get salty about it, not get down and have a good attitude and wait until you get that next chance.”"
What? Blackwood was by far the best goalie the Devils have had this season. In 12 games, Blackwood has a .924 save percentage with two shutouts. He’s did everything in his power to win games all by himself. If the Devils aren’t giving up on their season, then he’s clearly the choice in net.
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However, his comments don’t say that. Was he just being political, and not trying to say the wrong thing, or does he know something we don’t? If Blackwood is kept in the AHL, is it a sign that the Devils are giving up on this season, or does it say something else?
It’s clear the Devils are nowhere near where they wanted to be coming into the season. Even after Monday night’s win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Devils remain one of four teams that have yet to reach 20 wins. They are last in the Metropolitan Division, and 13 points out of a playoff spot.
Maybe the Devils are thinking towards the future exclusively with Blackwood. He’s much more important to the Devils next season than he is this season. It could be better for the Devils future to play Blackwood in the AHL for the rest of the year. He gets to build up his confidence against lesser competition, although he’s playing behind a much worse defense.
What’s more important is the implications on Blackwood’s contract. If Blackwood waits until next year to get a full season, the Devils will have control of him until he’s 27 years old. That allows them to control how he gets paid, and avoids him from getting to unrestricted free agency.
This is all speculation at this point, and later today we can get a transaction report that Cam Johnson is going back down to the AHL, and Blackwood is coming back up. However, based on his comments, he’s not even sure if he’s coming back to the NHL.