Mackenzie Blackwood

Philadelphia's pursuit of Leo Carlsson has come to an end now that the Ducks have secured their young star long-term, forcing the Flyers to refocus their offseason strategy. The team's front office is shifting its attention to other available players who might address their roster needs without breaking the bank. Blackwood's importance to training camp preparations also looms large as the Flyers prepare for what could be a pivotal season under their current direction.

Cale Makar continues to be one of the league's most valuable assets, and understanding exactly what he brings to Colorado goes beyond the stat sheet. Meanwhile, Blackwood's attempt at a bounceback season has the goaltending world watching closely to see if he can reclaim his form. Steve Yzerman's steadfast refusal to move Dylan Larkin reveals how the Red Wings GM values his franchise centerpiece, even as the trade market heats up around him.

Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood combined to backstop one of the league's most dominant defensive efforts during the regular season, a partnership that's quietly become one of the story lines of 2025-26. When your goaltending tandem is this good, it changes how you approach every game and every decision in the front office. The question now is whether this level of play holds up when the stakes get higher and the opposition gets better.