NHL Rumors: Devils Goaltender Gaining Trade Interest

According to Frank Seravalli, the New Jersey Devils are exploring the possibility of trading Mackenzie Blackwood.

After a very impressive sophomore campaign during the 2019-20 season, the Devils viewed Blackwood as their future star goaltender. However, he has cooled off immensely since then, and his play this season only shows that more. In 23 appearances, he has a 9-9-3 record, 3.29 goals-against average, and .894 save percentage. He also has not played since mid-January due to injury.

The Devils have made it known that goaltending is the position they are looking to improve the most. Besides Blackwood's struggles and injury trouble, Jonathan Bernier also did not have the chance to play much this season. After signing a two-year, $8.25 million contract with the team this past summer, he was limited to just 10 games this season. From here, he sustained a hip injury that required season-ending surgery.

The Devils appear to have many pieces of their future core all set, but goaltending has become the biggest question mark. If they feel that Blackwood is not the long-term answer at the position, they could use him to improve in another area. From there, they would be able to pursue a new starter. Nevertheless, this is another storyline to keep an eye on as we get closer to the deadline.