In a somewhat surprising move, the San Jose Sharks opted not to qualify goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood today, just days after acquiring his rights from the New Jersey Devils for a 2024 sixth-round pick. According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, the Sharks and Blackwood were not close in their brief contract discussion prior to today’s qualifying deadline. Discussions between the two parties remain ongoing, but the 26-year-old netminder could absolutely land with another NHL team after the market opens Saturday.
The Devils moved on from Blackwood with better options available internally. He was due a rather rich qualifying offer of $3.36MM, a number he won’t come close to on the open market after his performance last season. The Sharks would surely like to keep him – after all, they do have a vacant spot in their goalie tandem with James Reimer not returning – but it doesn’t seem they’re prepared to pay over market value to keep him around and would rather have just thrown away the draft pick.
Some other Western Conference tidbits as free agency looms:
- As expected, Minnesota Wild enforcer Ryan Reaves will hit the free agent market tomorrow, as confirmed by his agent, Kevin Epp. With essentially no cap space to speak of, Minnesota doesn’t have the luxury of spending on a player who’s main impact is felt in the locker room and before trips to the penalty box. Reaves did record a respectable five goals and 15 points last season, though, his most in three seasons. He’s expected to command some interest – namely from the Toronto Maple Leafs, says The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta.
- Another player who won’t be re-signing in Minnesota, at least for now, is forward Mason Shaw, who was also not issued a qualifying offer today. Shaw suffered the fourth ACL tear of his career this season, putting his long-term playing future in extreme jeopardy, and The Athletic’s Michael Russo notes the team won’t be making the decision to re-sign him until he’s completed his rehab. The team would like to extend a contract offer to him in the meantime, but with their limited cap flexibility, it’s not a feasible gesture. He is free to sign if another NHL team comes calling before he completes his recovery.
Well that’s stinky. Blackwood could have had a great opportunity to build his game back up in San Jose, and be coached by Nabokov to boot. But I guess his agent is convinced he deserves more than the $1.5M or less his play suggests he is worth.
Yeah, I can’t believe he feels like he’s negotiating from a position of strength. Certainly had the numbers of a third-string goalie last year
Plus injury history. Plus just being dropped as a third option on another team. No leverage at all really.
Or he doesn’t see an opportunity to regain his value playing on the sharks.
What contending team is going to give him NHL time? Let alone potential tandem time.
Yep. Even a veteran like Quick… he looked passable down the stretch with VGK, I’d rather have him next season than Blackwood
Wow, shocking. Players looking for the biggest paycheck in their short careers. You seem new to this stuff.
As a Sharks fan, I’m fine with walking away from Blackwood.
Bill Guerin is really going to experience the reality of the Parise and Suter buyouts this season, Not sure if he understands it yet, He keeps telling the fanbase that the Wild are competing for a Stanley Cup.
Great point Wilf. You get this stuff but Bill Guerin doesn’t. Please keep posting.
Quick is supposedly going to sign with the Rangers, It’s embarrassing, He couldn’t stop a beach ball these days.