New Jersey Devils: Mackenzie Blackwood Placed On COVID-19 Protocol List

The New Jersey Devils are without arguably their best player after Mackenzie Blackwood was placed on the COVID-19 protocol list.

It’s news that most fans should expect during a global pandemic, but they never want to hear it. The best player on the New Jersey Devils is going to miss time because he’s on the COVID-19 protocol list. Mackenzie Blackwood was placed on the list just an hour before puck drop against the New York Islanders.

Now, the Devils have to rely on Scott Wedgewood and Eric Comrie until either Blackwood returns or Aaron Dell is ready to go. Dell was claimed off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Devils have been waiting until he clears his own protocols until he’s available.

For now, the Devils have to ride either Comrie or Wedgewood. Wedgewood hasn’t played an NHL game since 2018 with the Arizona Coyotes. He did spend the bubble playing with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Since they won the Stanley Cup, Wedgewood got a lot more practice time than most of the other goalies in the NHL. Also, head coach Lindy Ruff said he really liked how he looked in the preseason.

Comrie played at least some in the NHL last season. Three games with the Detroit Red Wings aren’t a ton of experience, but it’s better than nothing. Comrie was really good in the AHL last season. He had a .918 save percentage in 16 games in the minors. The former 2nd-round pick at least has some upside at 25 years old.

This is terrible news for Devils fans. Blackwood carried the Devils through their first three games. He is one of the main reasons the Devils have five points after three games. He stopped 47 shots in his last game. There are many reasons why a player might end up on the COVID-19 protocol list. The hope is Blackwood doesn’t have the coronavirus and this is a close contact issue or something else entirely. Hopefully, this is a short-term stint on the shelf. However, if he’s out for a week or more, the Devils at least have some options.