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A few New Jersey Devils news items and notes on Patrik Elias' future, the World Hockey Championships and more:
1) Based off Patrik Elias' quotes since the season concluded it sounds like it's more likely than not he'll be playing another year. It also sounded like he knows playing elsewhere is a possibility and, while re-signing is his preference, he'll sign with another team if he has to.
The Devils need another top-6 forward, have Mike Cammalleri returning from injury, and at least two of Joseph Blandisi, Reid Boucher and/or Pavel Zacha will be in the fold all season next year so they do have to clear out a body or two.
I'd definitely prefer to see Elias stay but it seems like GM Ray Shero will strongly consider moving on.
If the only stumbling block for Shero is taking emotion out of the decision then I'm led to believe it's a real possibility he decides not to offer Elias a contract.
Hopefully that is not the case as a) I'd like to see him play one more year and get the send off he deserves; b) I think he could be a good fit with Zacha on the 3rd scoring line and; c) it's not as if he'd be holding the Devils back by taking up a roster spot.
2) It was nice to see Keith Kinkaid named to Team USA at the World Hockey Championships.
With Mike Condon as the other U.S. goaltender Kinkaid has a legitimate shot at taking the No. 1 job. Having John Hynes as coach will certainly help his cause but Hynes won't play him just for the sake of it; he wants to win.
If Kinkaid shows well it will surely leave a good taste in Hynes' mouth and give Kinkaid a leg up in the competition with Scott Wedgewood to backup in New Jersey next season.
I think Kinkaid was really smart to commit to the team. He has an opportunity to represent his country in meaningful games and get in Hynes' good books while doing so.
3) After a rough start to the postseason (he suffered a back injury and had a couple patchy starts) Mackenzie Blackwood has really settled in for the Barrie Colts.
He stopped 24-26 in a 4-2 win over North Bay last night to give the Colts a 3-0 series lead. Blackwood has allowed two goals or less in four consecutive starts (including a Game 7 against Mississauga) and has stopped .941% of the shots he has faced in that span.
The Colts are legitimate contenders for the league title and Blackwood is a big reason why.
It's nice to see him playing well in big games because, well, people think he can't do so after a couple rough starts at the World Juniors despite heading into the tournament rusty (due to a suspension).
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