Blackwood's Current Value
Mackenzie Blackwood has been a bit of a wild card in his NHL career. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, especially in his early years with New Jersey, but consistency has been an issue. After being traded to San Jose, his performance has remained somewhat up and down, though he has had solid stretches. His injury history, particularly with knee issues, also casts some uncertainty over his value.
However, teams in need of goaltending help, Like—Edmonton, Colorado, Carolina, and Toronto—might be more willing to take a risk on him, especially if he's playing well leading up to the trade deadline or has a strong stretch of play.
What Teams Need and What They Can Offer
- Edmonton: The Oilers have been in a goalie conundrum for years. While Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner have been the duo, neither has fully established themselves as a rock-solid starter. Edmonton might be more willing to give up a first-round pick for a goaltender who could potentially shore up the crease and help in their playoff push, but they also may be cautious with their assets due to their overall cap situation. A 1st-rounder could be a stretch, but a package involving a 2nd rounder, a prospect, and maybe a conditional pick might be more realistic.
- Colorado: The Avalanche have been riding with Alexandar Georgiev, and while he's been solid, backup goaltending has been a question mark at times. If Blackwood has shown consistency by the trade deadline, Colorado could be a contender for a 1B-type goalie. Their situation is also tricky because of cap space, but the possibility of adding Blackwood as a backup who could potentially step up if needed could interest them. The Avs might be more likely to trade for a cheaper option than a 1st-rounder unless Blackwood hits a hot streak or there’s clear belief in his upside.
- Carolina: The Hurricanes are always in the mix for adding depth, and with Frederik Andersen and Kochetkov being injured, they could be looking for more stability. Carolina tends to make trades that don’t necessarily require giving up premium picks, but if Blackwood can prove to be a legitimate 1B, they might offer a 1st, especially if they believe he could help them push deeper into the playoffs.
- Toronto: The Leafs have struggled with goaltending consistency, especially in the postseason. If they feel Blackwood could provide more stability alongside Joseph Woll, they might be willing to part with a first-round pick, especially given their all-in approach with their core. Again, it depends on Blackwood's performance, but Toronto could be a realistic destination.
Is a 1st Rounder Realistic?
A 1st-round pick for Blackwood would be
possible but more likely if he’s playing lights-out in the lead-up to the deadline or if a team really believes in his potential to stabilize their crease for a long playoff run. Blackwood's upside is what would sell teams, but given his inconsistency and injury history, a package centered around a 1st-rounder would more likely include conditions (e.g., conditional picks based on performance or games played).
Forgiving Grier on Michkov
Regarding your comment on Grier and Matvei Michkov, I get the sentiment. If Blackwood fetches a 1st-rounder, it would at least offset some of the heat on the decision not to pick Michkov. While Michkov has elite talent, the uncertainty around his KHL contract and the off-ice concerns made him a polarizing pick then. If Grier can pivot and get a 1st or (2 and rounders), it would be a big win and help justify his approach.
I was so confused, like I somehow missed several years.
