Avalanche Signs Blackwood to Five-Year Extension

Colorado Hockey

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Mackenzie Blackwood Signs Five-Year Extension with the Colorado Avalanche

Key Highlights:

The Colorado Avalanche signed goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood to a five-year, $26.25 million contract extension, running through the 2029-30 season. This equates to an average annual value (AAV) of $5.25 million against the salary cap.
The signing comes just weeks after the Avalanche acquired Blackwood in a trade with the San Jose Sharks on December 9, 2024.
Despite only playing four games with Colorado, Blackwood impressed the team with a 3-1 record, a 2.03 goals-against average, and a .931 save percentage.
Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland expressed confidence in Blackwood’s potential, stating, “We feel like Mackenzie has just gotten better and better every year and he has come in and done a great job with us in his first few starts. He’s a big body, athletic goaltender who is still young and still growing as a goaltender.”

Background:

Blackwood, 28, was originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft.
Prior to joining Colorado, he played for the Devils and Sharks.
He boasts an 84-92-25 record in 219 career NHL games, with a 3.05 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage.

Impact on the Avalanche:

The signing marks Colorado’s first long-term commitment to a goaltender since 2014.
It solidifies Blackwood as the team’s starting goaltender for the foreseeable future, providing stability at a key position.
Along with the recent acquisition of Scott Wedgewood, the Avalanche have completely reshuffled their goaltending tandem, aiming to improve upon the 3.71 goals per game they were allowing earlier in the season.
Blackwood and Wedgewood’s combined cap hit of $6.75 million for the next season reflects the Avalanche’s investment in solidifying their goaltending.

Reactions:

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar described Blackwood as a “perfect fit” for the team and lauded his impact on their turnaround.
Forward Ross Colton praised both Blackwood and Wedgewood for bringing “confidence” to the team.
Blackwood himself expressed excitement about the opportunity in Colorado: “Take a look around the room. There’s a lot of players that are really good. It’s a good culture. It’s a good organization… So I just thought it’s a great opportunity for me. I’m happy to play here, and everything just worked out well.”

Overall, the Avalanche’s swift commitment to Blackwood signals their belief in his ability to be a cornerstone of their franchise moving forward.