Blackwood, a rookie last season, had a .915 save percentage that was seventh in the NHL among the 22 goalies to play at least 40 games, and his .924 even-strength save percentage was tied with Ben Bishop of the Dallas Stars for sixth. The Devils agreed to terms with Corey Crawford on a two-year contract Oct. 9, which could benefit Blackwood's development. Crawford had a .926 even-strength save percentage with the Chicago Blackhawks that was third in the NHL (minimum 40 games), behind Tuukka Rask of the Boston Bruins (.939) and Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets (.927). By splitting starts between Crawford, a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2013, 2015) with the Blackhawks, and Blackwood, the Devils could improve their .913 5-on-5 save percentage that was tied with the Washington Capitals for 23rd last season.