The Colorado Avalanche find themselves at a crossroads. After a humiliating 8-2 defeat against the Tampa Bay Lightning in a rematch of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, it’s clear that the team’s current trajectory is far from ideal. This marks the 12th time this season that the Avalanche have conceded four or more goals in a game, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. As they sit eighth in the Western Conference with a 13-10-0 record, it’s time for a strategic move to secure their playoff ambitions.
The Goalie Crisis: A Season in Turmoil
The Avalanche’s goaltending situation has been a significant factor in their struggles. Alexandar Georgiev, Justus Annunen, Trent Miner, and the since-waived Kaapo Kahkonen have all taken turns in the crease, but none have managed to stabilize the position. Collectively, they’ve posted a dismal .858 save percentage (SV%) and have allowed over 13 goals above expected (GSAx), according to Evolving Hockey. While Georgiev has shown improvement with a .910 SV% and a plus-3.4 GSAx in November, the overall inconsistency remains a threat to the team’s success.
Enter Mackenzie Blackwood
One potential solution could be acquiring Mackenzie Blackwood from the San Jose Sharks. At 28 years old, Blackwood is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) with a manageable $2.35 million cap hit. His age fits well with the Avalanche’s core, and he could serve as a bridge to the future, especially with top goalie prospect Ilya Nabokov waiting in the wings.
The Case for Blackwood
Blackwood’s performance, while not stellar, has shown promise. Despite a career NHL SV% of .904, his underlying numbers are more encouraging. He ranks 24th by GSAx (plus-11.9) since the start of last season, even while facing one of the heaviest workloads in the league. His ability to handle high-pressure situations is evident, with numerous games making 30 or more saves, including a standout 51-save performance against the Avalanche in the 2023-24 season opener.
A trade involving Blackwood could also benefit the Sharks. With the emergence of 22-year-old Yaroslav Askarov as their future star goalie, moving Blackwood could clear the way for Askarov’s full-time NHL duties. This potential move aligns well with both teams’ needs and timelines.
Potential Pitfalls
However, there are significant risks. The Sharks, aware of the Avalanche’s desperation, could demand high-quality assets in return. Additionally, Blackwood’s career has been marked by inconsistency, with his GSAx fluctuating significantly year over year. Acquiring him doesn’t guarantee the stability the Avalanche desperately need.
Urgency and Strategic Timing
Time is of the essence for the Avalanche. With their playoff odds diminishing and key players like Cale Makar in their prime, the team cannot afford to waste another season. Pursuing Blackwood before the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off (Feb. 12-20) would be strategic, as his potential selection for Team Canada could inflate his trade value.
In conclusion, while trading for Blackwood carries risks, it could provide the Avalanche with the goaltending stability needed to make a deep playoff run. Standing still is not an option; the team’s championship window won’t stay open forever.
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