3rd year defenseman Jesse Blacker(4) was swapped to Anaheim Ducks‘ organization earlier this season in what amounted to a mostly minor league transaction.
He was originally a Toronto Maple Leafs‘ 2nd round pick in the 2009 draft (#58 overall) and spent a couple of good campaigns with their farm team, Toronto Marlies.
The change of scenery to the Ducks‘ AHL affiliate Norfolk Admirals has done him lots of good, as he’s already surpassed his career high with 5 goals and 17 points and is well on his way to recording more helpers than he’s put up in one season.
The 6’2″ 190 lbs. blue liner received a pair of late call-ups in 2012/2013 but was never inserted into the lineup.
The 22-year old’s entry level deal is up at the end of the current campaign and he’s set to become a restricted free agent but with his consistent play it would be easy to see him finally make his NHL debut and extended at least another season.
He was also on 2009 Memorial Cup and OHL Champion junior hockey team, Windsor Spitfires.
Original story: 1/9-14
Finishing the 2013/2014 with an AHL career high 6 goals, 19 assists and 24 points, he would also own an abysmal -16 plus/minus on a team that squeaked into the postseason.
He played another 10 Calder Cup Playoff games contributing a goal.
With his initial deal expiring he was extended for another year and finally made his first NHL appearance.
He skated 9 shifts for 6:03 with one hit and one break-up but was a -2 in the loss.
The recall was in all likelihood to display him for a trade option, which happened as he was dished to Florida Panthers just days later.
He was immediately sent to affiliate San Antonio Rampage, where he finished out the season but the parent club with another rough -15 rating chose not to qualify him, rendering the 24-year old an unrestricted free agent.
For his 5th pro campaign he signed a one-year minor league contract with Texas Stars for 2015/2016.
He may see better results going forward with the pressure from above to excel and may just re-find his footing.