The Colorado Avalanche are going all-in on Mackenzie Blackwood, signing their newly acquired goalie to a massive $26.25 million deal that’ll keep him in Denver for the next five years.
It’s a bold move considering Blackwood has only started four games since coming over from the San Jose Sharks two weeks ago.
The Avs were desperate to fix their goaltending problems after a rough start to the season. But throwing this kind of money at Blackwood? That’s quite a gamble.
Here’s the thing about NHL goalies – they can make or break a team’s season. A hot goalie can turn an average team into a contender. A cold one can sink even the most talented roster.
The problem? It’s incredibly hard to predict how goalies will perform from year to year.
Blackwood’s been pretty solid this season, posting a .914 save percentage that ranks seventh among goalies with at least 15 games. That’s impressive.
But his track record is spotty. After showing early promise with the New Jersey Devils, he struggled for four straight seasons before this year’s bounce-back.
The Avalanche are betting that playing behind their star-studded lineup will help Blackwood succeed. They don’t need him to be a superstar – just reliable enough not to cost them games like their previous goalies were doing.
Recent history isn’t on their side, though.
Similar contracts given to goalies like Tristan Jarry, Joonas Korpisalo, and Jack Campbell have turned into disasters. Some were traded or waived within two years. Others are now backup goalies making starter money.
The Avs are hoping Blackwood will be different. But with his up-and-down career, this contract could look pretty rough in a couple years.
Only time will tell if Colorado’s $26 million bet pays off.
