Mackenzie Blackwood – Canada
This probably seems incredibly unlikely, but Mackenzie Blackwood has represented Canada on the world stage before. This year, he has a lot of reasons to do it again. He is trying to prove he is still a starting-caliber goalie. Even if he is as over the Devils as they are reportedly of him, he still wants to audition for other teams who will want him. Teams are going to be curious about Blackwood this offseason, but he needs to show them something. This is where he can show them something.
Blackwood is starting for the first time since January this week. He’s only going to get two starts before the end of the season. What can he prove in two starts against the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings? He could probably do more leading Team Canada to a championship. Canada won the championship last season with Darcy Kuemper as the starter. He could now go win a Stanley Cup Championship.
Blackwood would love a similar timeline. He’d love to win a world championship with Canada and then a Stanley Cup. The Devils might not exactly be there yet, but the Rangers showed it is all about opportunity. That’s what Blackwood needs. He might even convince the Devils to keep him long term if he dominates.
Blackwood was awful this season, but it might have more to do with the injury than anything. If he can prove he can turn back the clock, the Devils might only need to add one goalie this offseason.