Tom Gulitti, a reporter for the NHL, announces that the New Jersey Devils have recalled goaltender Akira Schmid from their AHL affiliate Utica Comets. In preparation for tonight’s game, Amanda Stein, the lead reporter for the Devils, announces that Schmid will backup for Mackenzie Blackwood.
In order to give regular starting netminder, Vitek Vanecek, some rest before the Devils begin their playoff run, the choice was made to recall Schmid for the final game of the regular season. It was the best possible situation for the Devils organization, as the Comets will look to keep their season alive tomorrow night against the Cleveland Monsters, a game they should be able to have Schmid in the net for.
Last season, Schmid had an underwhelming season in the NHL, playing six games, the young goaltender posted a record of 0-4-0, holding a SV% of .833 and a GAA of 4.83. Understandably, it should be remembered that Schmid was not operating with this year’s much-improved Devils’ lineup. Although playing much better for New Jersey this season, Schmid has played a majority of this year in Utica once again.
Drafted 136th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft by New Jersey, Schmid has become a prime candidate to become the new full-time backup for the Devils next year. Vanecek is signed beyond next season, and although Blackwood is only a restricted free agent at the conclusion of this year, his injury history in the last several seasons may give the Devils a reason to go another direction between the pipes.