Last season, no position cost the New Jersey Devils more wins than the goaltending group. Seven goalies made starts (no goalie besides Mackenzie Blackwood and Nico Daws reached 25 starts), achieving an abysmal goals saved above expected (GSAx) of -61.07 and a save percentage (SV%) of .881, each good for second-worst in the NHL. Needless to say, positive change needs to happen in the crease this season. So, who will the Devils turn to in hope this change happens?
Note, you can see our preview of the defensive core right here.
MacKenzie Blackwood
Contract: One year, $2,800,000
Means of Acquisition: Acquired via draft (2015).
Analysis
Mackenzie Blackwood has had a rough go of things this past season, to say the least. After sitting out the first month of the season, Blackwood struggled mightily, posting a SV% of .894 and a GSAx of -14.97. He re-aggravated his heel injury in mid-January, which he returned from in late April with only a few games to go.
There is much doubt surrounding Blackwood, who hasn’t displayed any measure of consistency since the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season. However, he has had a very strong postseason showing, stopping 50 of 53 (.943 SV%) and saving more goals above expected in each appearance.
Nevertheless, he is considered a co-starter this season, and the Devils’ hopes of improving in the crease rest with him. If he does not improve, however, he may soon be facing the exit.
Vitek Vanecek
Contract: Three years, $3,400,000
Means of Acquisition: Via free agency (2022).
Analysis
Vitek Vanecek is what Tom Fitzgerald believes is his offseason solution to last year’s disastrous goaltending performances. After being acquired via trade, the restricted free agent signed a reasonable three-year, $10,200,000 extension on July 17.
Through two seasons with the Washington Capitals, Vanecek served as Ilya Samsonov’s platoon-mate, posting consistent, average numbers. Last year, he played to a .908 SV% and a -2..76 GSAx through 42 games. Consider Vanecek a co-starter along with Blackwood with hopes to win the starting job outright if his counterpart does not succeed.
Jonathan Bernier
Contract: One year, $4,125,000
Means of Acquisition: Via free agency (2021).
Analysis
After being signed as MacKenzie Blackwood’s platoon-mate in the 2021 offseason, Jonathan Bernier started the season fine, posting a -1.92 GSAx through ten games. Unfortunately, it turned out that he had been suffering through a persistent hip injury throughout the season and had to be shut down for the rest of the season in December. He soon thereafter underwent hip surgery.
It is unclear how limiting this injury will be for Bernier, but he may not be the same player he was. He comes into this season as the Devils’ third-string goalie with an opportunity this preseason to prove he can play at the level he once did.
Note, it was originally reported that Bernier would be back around Thanksgiving. However, he has been practicing and scrimmaging with the team. So his timetable is very up in the air.
Nico Daws
Contract: Two years, $850,000
Means of Acquisition: Acquired via draft (2020).
Analysis
Nico Daws was the emergency plan after both Blackwood and Bernier hit the shelf. He got the starting job in a turbulent time for New Jersey, and, to not of the fault of his own, he was clearly not ready. He posted a woeful .894 SV% and -10.14 GSAx in 25 games. Daws is the fourth-string goalie coming into this season, but if Bernier doesn’t pan out, he could see some additional reps come his way if Blackwood or Vanecek get injured.