High expectations for Blackwood and Wedgewood with the Avs
Photo by Kavin Mistry/NHLI via Getty Images
The newest netminder might just have the biggest weight on his shoulders. The Colorado Avalanche’s changes in net over the last two weeks have created new perspectives and opportunities for those involved. For the first time since the Buffalo Sabres in over a decade, the Avs have two new goaltenders before Christmas.
In 10 days, #GoAvsGo have completely changed out their goaltending tandem - which isn’t easy to do in-season.In: Mackenzie Blackwood, Scott WedgewoodOut: Alexandar Georgiev, Justus Annunen, Kaapo KahkonenCost: 2nd Rd Pick, 6th Rd Pick, also a pick swap.— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 9, 2024
With Alexandar Georgiev, Justus Annunen, and Kaapo Kahkonen out, Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood come into the side. And with the turnover comes the ever-growing pressure to be a goaltender for the Avalanche.
In years past, the goaltender position has always been a question mark and one with high expectations. Philipp Grubauer looked to be the guy to lead the Avs but was moved on before signing his six-year, $5.9 million deal with the Seattle Kraken.
Darcy Kuemper ended up being the guy and was part of winning the Stanley Cup in 2022 alongside Pavel Francouz. But even then, the criticism for him in his one year with Colorado was extremely high and his leash was very short. Similar to Grubauer, his big deal wouldn’t come in Colorado.
Stanley Cup champion Darcy Kuemper is joining the @Capitals! #NHLFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/I24XvDZo1s— NHL (@NHL) July 13, 2022
Finally, most recently was the aforementioned Georgiev who was looking to become a starter after backing up Igor Shesterkin with the New York Rangers. He had a stellar first year but went downhill since then and it finally came to a crashing halt this season before his trade.
The goaltender situation just might be the new 2C situation: pressure galore.
This makes the wood pairing of Blackwood and Wedgewood the two going forward with lots of expectations to be solid goaltenders. Wedgewood has the upper hand having played with this team the last few games, including the most recent shutout against the New Jersey Devils.
Scott Wedgewood secures his first @pepsi shutout with his new team! pic.twitter.com/PEJsleLhRb— NHL (@NHL) December 9, 2024
Wedgewood has always been a solid backup, being a reliable guy, and is a great character for the locker room. He’s already dropped several one-liners which have been fun to watch. Arguably, he could battle for the starting job or at least split time in a 1A/1B situation.
Meanwhile, Blackwood is the one who has the most pressure on him. He’s been brought in as the “starter” for the Avalanche. He’s been stellar in his time with the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils, playing above his team’s level.
His saves are above expected and shutting down teams has been phenomenal, some of which the Avs have been on the receiving end. But the big question mark for him is whether or not he can be up to the task.
An incredible Mackenzie Blackwood save to start your day. pic.twitter.com/wXVxnT7Nle— Avalanche Forever (@citchmook) December 10, 2024
His time with the Sharks and Devils was when the teams weren’t competitive. He hasn’t felt the high intensity and pressure of being on a competitive team. With everything goaltenders have been through in Colorado with netminders, it will be intriguing to see how he handles it.
Furthermore, Chris MacFarland told the press he doesn’t expect Blackwood to be a four-month rental. Hence, Colorado needs to figure out how much he is worth when also deciphering new contracts for Jonathan Drouin, and more importantly, Mikko Rantanen. Do they sign him now while he may be cheaper, or take the risk of him performing or falling flat and signing him at a later date?
Nonetheless, Blackwood’s debut is expected to come tomorrow back at home against the Utah Hockey Club. It’ll be just the start of what will be an intriguing few months in net....
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