The San Jose Sharks are amid rebuilding and they figured out that their goaltender, Mackenzie Blackwood, would not be a part of it. As they sunk to the bottom of the league, teams reached out to see if Blackwood was available. He was, for a price.

The Trade

Mackenzie Blackwood was the end of a complete goaltender overhaul by the Colorado Avalanche. On December 9, 2024, the Avalanche traded Nikolai Kovalenko and Alexandar Georgiev to the San Jose Sharks along with two draft picks. In return, the Avalanche received Blackwood, Givani Smith and a 2027 draft pick.

It took only about two weeks for the Avalanche to decide on Blackwood’s extension. Colorado signed the Canadian to a new five-year extension, making him the goalie of the future in Denver. Management would not regret the decision they made either. After joining the Avalanche, Blackwood had a 22–12–3 record and would help Colorado secure a bid to the playoffs.

From the beginning, there was a visual difference in how the defense played in front of Blackwood. They were more confident in him than in Georgiev in allowing him to make the saves. Fans felt the same way. Blackwood became an immediate fan favorite in the Mile-High City. Blackwood made highlight reel saves that dazzled the crowd and may have even shocked his teammates.

His save percentage of .912 in 56 games this season was his best since the 2019–20 season. In that year Blackwood had a save percentage of .915. He played the most games in a single season while having a career low goals allowed an average of 2.55. Although Blackwood could not get past the Dallas Stars in the playoffs, he helped push the series to seven games.

Next season, Blackwood begins his five-year extension that will carry a $5.25 million cap hit. Fans will have a lot to look forward to with Blackwood in the crease for the Avalanche.