Quoting: Ritzy
He was already at best the second option for NJD when they went out and signed Vanecek to a multi-year deal. When he wasn't playing well, they still didn't go to Blackwood, they bypassed him for Schmid. Who only had 6 games played prior to this season.
Toronto already has a young goalie they need to give more starts to. Sammy and Woll will be fine.
True…but have to understand the relationship he had with NJD management was rocky at best. He kind of entered the season on probation.
In the off-season before 2021-22, he didn’t do his rehab, didn’t really prepare for season. It took him forever to recover and our GM grew weary. So Blackwood rushed back, saying he felt healthy, but was hurting. So instead of keeping him on IR, we added him to roster…and put Wedgewood on waivers, who was claimed by Dallas. Then Blackwood said he was hurt and we had to go out and trade for a goalie. Our GM was pissed. Eventually, Blackwood fired his handlers, made amends to Fitzy and was invited back for 2022-23. But our team never played as well in front of him this year…and he still had some health issues.
The talent and ability to be NHL goalie are there. Confidence of his teammates, confidence in himself, his maturity, and his health have not always been there.