Blackwood is expected to get the first Devil's start of the season as they take on the Flyers in Philadelphia. The 25-year-old is entering his fifth season as a member of the Devils, posting a career SV% of .907 while winning 55 games in 123 starts. He will be looking to bounce back this season with an exciting Devils' roster after posting an SV% below .900 for the first time in his career in 2021-22 (.892).
Blackwood served as the backup on Monday but the Devils said that he was dealing with something and wasn't 100 percent. Moving him to IR opens up a roster spot to recall Akira Schmid from Utica (AHL) to serve as the Devils' backup behind Jon Gillies.
Blackwood joins Akira Schimd on the COVID-19 protocol list, leaving the Devils with only Jon Gillies between the pipes. Expect Blackwood to miss tomorrow's game against the Islanders but should be back for their next game, next Wednesday vs. Arizona.
Blackwood will miss Saturday's game in Detroit with a neck injury and is listed as day-to-day. The Devils recently acquired Jon Gillies from the Blues and could make his Devils debut.
