NHLTR Mock Trade: New Jersey Devils' Mackenzie Blackwood to the Detroit Red Wings
For today's deal, we look ahead to what the New Jersey Devils are going to do with their goaltending log jam. The team had youngster Akira Schmid absolutely burst onto the scene during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and with Vitek Vanecek coming off a great season, Mackenzie Blackwood is the odd man out. Blackwood is open to a deal as he's just looking for an opportunity to play and reset his career. Here's how that can be accomplished.
Devils deal Blackwood to the Detroit Red Wings for a second-round pick at the 2023 Draft.
Red Wings Perspective: Detroit has three second round picks, their own, the Vancouver Canucks pick and the St Louis Blues pick. This comes after a first round where they draft twice. There's no doubt general manager Steve Yzerman is going to be dangling a pick or two to try and improve his hockey club for next season. The Wings only have Ville Husso signed for the 2023-24 season and will need another goalie to create a tandem. It's the perfect opportunity for Blackwood to push for starter's minutes and try to revitalize his career. The 26-year-old, former second-round pick posted a 3.20 GAA in 22 appearances last season.
Devils Perspective: Adding a second round pick makes a ton of sense for Tom Fitzgerald and the Devils as they can either keep the pick and stock pile another prospect, or they can decide to flip the pick at the trade deadline next season for some immediate help. New Jersey has built the core of their team through the draft and that continues to be the focus, even though Fitzgerald is getting more aggressive on the trade market of late. Blackwood isn't going to play at this point, so the team should capitalize on their asset before his trade value diminishes.
Photo credit: d Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
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