Avalanche Sign Mackenzie Blackwood to 5-Yr Contract Extension

The Colorado Avalanche signed recently acquired goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood to a five-year contract extension on Friday. After landing Blackwood in a trade from the San Jose Sharks on December 9, 2024, the Avs felt no need to waste time and get the netminder inked for the long term. The deal is worth $5.25 million per season.

Five more years in burgundy and blue for Mackenzie Blackwood!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/IlhB9qgRpq

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 27, 2024

Blackwood has appeared in four games with Colorado since being acquired from San Jose on his 28th birthday (Dec. 9), posting a 3-1-0 record with a 2.03 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage.

Originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2015, Blackwood brings both experience and a high ceiling to the Avalanche. They are betting on him to emerge as a key piece in their run toward the playoffs and continued NHL success.

The Avs See Blackwood as a Long-Term Solution

“When we acquired Mackenzie a few weeks ago, we wanted to let him get to Denver, get acclimated to his new team, new city, and then in due time, we’d reach out to him and his representatives,” said Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland. “We are thrilled to get this deal done now and have Mackenzie under contract for the next six years.”

The Avalanche said they feel Blackwood has just gotten better and better every year been solid for them in his first several starts.” He’s a big body, athletic goaltender who is still young and still growing as a goaltender. “Stylistically, he has fit really well with how we play and has been a perfect fit in our dressing room as well,” MacFarland added.

The Avalanche have completely overhauled their goaltending this season. Adding Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, they knew it was an area that needed improvement. The team feels they’ve found their starter in Blackwood and are going all in.

Next: Insider Links Taylor Hall Back to Old Team in Trade… Sort of