Observations:

May 2017 – Blackwell is one of the more versatile forwards on the San Jose Barracuda. All season long he has played up and down the lineup, playing as a winger on the Barracuda top line, a grinding center on the fourth line and everything in between. As the Barracuda faced injury issues in their playoff series against the San Diego Gulls, Blackwell morphed into a top-six forward and posted two big goals during the series, both of which were greasy rebound scores. His NHL likelihood is not as high as some of his fellow Barracuda rookies, but with time he could develop into a bottom-six energy player, especially with his speed and ability on the penalty kill. Zachary DeVine

February 2017 – Blackwell has held down the fourth line center position with the San Jose Barracuda for the majority of the year. He doesn't have much size, but with a physical style of play, good wheels and a strong defensive game, Blackwell is contributing to the overall success of the Pacific Division leading Barracuda.

His time on the penalty kill has been impressive as well and takes a regular turn on the top penalty kill in the AHL. So far, the offensive side of the game has not translated for Blackwell in his first professional season with just two goals and five assists. However, he has been a regular in the bottom-six, something many of the other players competing for jobs at the bottom of the roster cannot point to. At this time, he looks buried in the organization, especially with the glut of talented forwards already in rotation for call-ups. Zachary DeVine

October 2016 – Blackwell is a smaller, quick and robust center that has battled concussion issues during his NCAA career, taking nearly 18 months off as he battled post-concussion issues during his five years at Harvard University. The injuries piled up on Blackwell, and he only got into 50 games since the start of the 2012-13 season. Blackwell has an edge to his game and is stocky at 5-9 and 190 pounds. He has a big motor and body positioning is solid. This year will be a pivotal year for the former St. John’s Prep star as Blackwell likely play more hockey this year than the previous four years combined. In preseason Barracuda action, Blackwell has looked almost too fast at times. He'll need to play within himself and his teammates to maximize effectiveness. Zachary DeVine

August 2016 – Blackwell completed four years at Harvard and has signed with the San Jose Sharks. Blackwell completed his NCAA eligibility with 58 points in 94 games with the Crimson. Blackwell had a good showing at the Sharks development camp and plays a competitive brand of hockey with decent skills. He scored a greasy goal in the scrimmage at the end of camp and had some nice passes as well as mixing it up in the corners.

However, this style of game at 5’9 comes at a price as Blackwell also lost a season and a half due to post-concussion syndrome after two concussions weeks apart during his sophomore year. Blackwell will begin his professional career this fall with the Sharks organization. He will report to the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda or the Allen Americans in the ECHL. Zachary DeVine

Fantasy Outlook: D+

Had a difficult NCAA career including concussion issues. Depth minor league player but with upside.

Footage:

Blackwell battles in front of the net, ties the game 2-2

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