Avalanche Getting Closer To Extending Mackenzie Blackwood

5 days ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors

The Colorado Avalanche made a couple of great goalie trades this season and completely revamped their net by bringing in Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood. The latter is on an expiring deal and in his prime, so the team is already looking to re-sign him to continue to be their starter after this season.Elliotte Friedman reported that momentum is growing between the Avalanche and Blackwood having to do with a contract extension. The Avalanche goalie is currently making $2.35 million for the second and final year of his contract.As we return to action (Thank God)...some news: hearing momentum growing between Colorado and Mackenzie Blackwood on a contract extension.A pending UFA, the Avalanche acquired him on Dec. 9. They move quick.— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 27, 2024Blackwood has a .914 SV% this season overall, but is 3-1-0 with a 2.03 GAA and .931 SV% since being acquired by the Avalanche. This seems to be the missing piece for Colorado this season as Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen just couldn't stop enough pucks. Blackwood is more than used to facing a ton of shots in San Jose the past year and a half and has fit in perfectly.I don't think the extension is going to be a max term deal for Blackwood. He hasn't shown enough in Colorado to warrant that. It would be a risky play to sign a career .905 SV% goalie for that long. The Avalanche need a strong starter to continue to have a chance to win the Stanley Cup year after year. This should lead to an extension between 3-5 years, which would be the sweet spot.Blackwood is going to get a much bigger salary than what he's currently making. My thinking is that it will be around the $5 million AAV mark. The 28-year-old isn't one of the elite netminders, though he could get there if he keeps playing like he is. He is also a starter that has played well and is playing well, so he will get paid nicely for his services.If the Avalanche can get him locked up for $5 million AAV or less, that would be a steal. It doesn't appear like a deal is that far off, so we might not have to wait too much longer for a conclusion.Photo credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images ...

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