Avalanche Acquire Blackwood from Sharks in Blockbuster Goaltending Trade

December 10, 2024

Alexandar Georgiev © Instagram / aghockey

In a surprising move, the Colorado Avalanche acquired goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood from the San Jose Sharks in a blockbuster trade. The Avalanche sent goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, forward Nikolai Kovalenko, a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, and a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to San Jose in exchange.

This trade comes on the heels of a disappointing start to the season for the Avalanche, particularly in goal. Colorado’s goaltending has struggled, leading to a subpar team performance. The acquisition of Blackwood is an attempt to address these concerns and bolster the team’s chances for a playoff run.

Blackwood, known for his athleticism and solid play, is expected to provide a significant upgrade to the Avalanche’s goaltending. He brings a strong track record to Colorado and is expected to compete for the starting role alongside Scott Wedgewood, who was recently acquired from the Nashville Predators.

For the Sharks, this trade represents a significant shift in their goaltending plans. Georgiev, a proven NHL goaltender, brings stability and experience to the team. The inclusion of Kovalenko and the draft picks provides the Sharks with valuable assets for the future.

This trade has major implications for both teams. The Avalanche will be hoping that Blackwood can stabilize their goaltending and propel them back into contention. The Sharks, meanwhile, will be looking to Georgiev to provide a strong foundation for their continued development.

This trade is a bold move by both teams, demonstrating their commitment to improving their rosters and making a push for success in the coming months.

 By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer

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