Debating Whether or Not to Trade Mackenzie Blackwood

Should the San Jose Sharks trade their star goaltender, Mackenzie Blackwood?

That will be an interesting topic come this season's trade deadline.

Mackenzie Blackwood's record this season with the Sharks is a bit off-putting. However, that shouldn't take away from the fact that Blackwood has been terrific all season long for San Jose. He has kept this team in games night in and night out, while continuously being left out to dry by the horrendous team in teal on a nightly basis.

The San Jose Sharks need to retain and sign Mackenzie Blackwood.

Blackwood fits the San Jose Sharks' futuristic needs. He is just 26 years old which happens to be around the same time that NHL goaltenders, usually, begin to hit the prime of their careers. Blackwood has been rejuvenated thus far in San Jose. Looking more and more lik
e the Mackenzie Blackwood that Devils praised from 2018-2021. If the Sharks can continue to draft well, and the development of highly regarded prospects such as Eklund, Thrun, Smith, and more continue to thrive, then Blackwood would be a perfect fit skill-wise, but also age-wise, on this Sharks roster for the long-term. Getting rid of him would likely be a pretty significant mistake.

Must I remind you who Adin Hill is?

The San Jose Sharks should trade Mackenzie Blackwood.

Mackenzie Blackwood is 2-9-2 and averages 3.80 goals per game with a .897 save percentage. Not numbers teams dream of their goalies putting up. Luckily for the Sharks, some of Blackwood's performances have generated buzz around the league that can potentially lead to teams around the league wishing to upgrade their goalie tandem heading into the postseason. Whether that be as a potential starter in the crease or as a reliable backup, Mackenzie Blackwood will be on a lot of team's radars. The Sharks can move Blackwood to a contender and depending on who that may be, can continue to build their draft capital up even more. I don't think it's unrealistic to move Blackwood for a second or third-round pick. Or even an expendable forward/defenseman. 

What do you think the Sharks should/will do with Mackenzie Blackwood?

Let me know in the comments!

What if the Sharks Sign William Nylander?

Can William Nylander be a legitimate option for the San Jose Sharks to sign during the summer of 2024?

The Sharks, who will have over $15 million of cap space after this current season concludes, can be looking to make a splash. Signing Willy Nylander can be exactly that. 

Nylander, who currently holds a cap hit of just under $7 million is looking to get paid even more. And well deserved, indeed. After posting career-highs in goals (40), assists (47), and points (87), the Toronto Maple Leafs are stuck between a rock and a hard place. 

Except that rock has become a lot bigger. 

Nylander entered this season with just one year left on his current deal, with no new extension completed. Nylander’s camp is looking for a $10 million AAV. The Maple Leafs? Not so much.

Unfortunately for the Leafs organization, Nylander is off to a phenomenal start to the season. Through 15 games, Willy’s potted 10 goals and 22 points. 

Yes, a 120-point pace if he can sustain this for 67 more games. Which I believe he will. Get it?

Anyway, the Leafs are in “Win-Now” mode. They can’t “win now” if they trade Nylander for a return that doesn’t equal the production he contributes to the team’s success. Ignore the fact he has been a main piece of the locker room for the past several years and trading him away will likely affect other stars like Matthews, Marner, and Reilly. 

There’s a lot to gamble with in terms of a William Nylander trade. The Leafs may be forced to ride it out. 

Losing Nylander for nothing would be such a shame. 

Unless you’re a Sharks fan…

Mike Grier should jump on the opportunity if Nylander hits the market. He would speed up the rebuild immensely, and be here for the long run as he is only 27 years old. A seven-year at $70+ million would be a no-brainer for this Sharks team. 

Some might say that Nylander would want to play for a contender. Why would he come to San Jose?

This is why: Nylander, Eklund, Smith, Bordeleau, Hertl, Couture, Celebrini, Cagnoni, Halttunen, Addison, Ferraro, Thrun, Blackwood, etc.

This roster won’t be too far off very soon. Nylander will be in the playoffs with this team, shortly, And for a long time, too.

Just imagine signing Nylander after drafting Macklin Celebrini first overall, with the addition of Will Smith to enter the 2024-25 campaign. Almost sounds too good to be true.

But at the same time, there also is a very big and realistic opportunity…