Colorado Avalanche Breaking News: Mackenzie Blackwood signs five-year extension

Merry late Christmas Avalanche fans!

The Colorado Avalanche gave fans a late gift with the signing of Mackenzie Blackwood to a five-year extension. The 28-year-old netminder signed for an AAV of $5.25 million.

Blackwood has always been an underrated goaltender playing up to his potential on uncompetitive teams. Now signed long-term, he has a chance to prove himself on a competitive team.

Likewise, the Avs have finally invested in a goaltender and are giving him a solid look. Considering Colorado had two goaltenders under less AAV than Blackwood’s to start the season, it’s a considerate change of pace. The last goaltender to sign for three years or longer was Semyon Varlamov in 2013-14.

Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland said after acquiring Blackwood that he would not be a short-term rental, and this deal proves that. He will be in Colorado until the end of the 2029-30 season and have Scott Wedgwood alongside him through the end of next season, keeping the Lumberyard intact until then.

In Blackwood’s 219 games played, he has 84 wins, 11 shutouts, a 3.05 goals-against average, and a save percentage of .905. In just his four games in Colorado, he’s been a breath of fresh air with three wins in four games, a 2.03 goals-against average, and a save percentage of .931.

Looking forward, however, this does challenge things cap-wise. The Avs still need to re-sign Mikko Rantanen, who has been rumored to get around $14 million. Plus, you’ve got to worry about re-signing other players down the line such as Jonathan Drouin, Artturi Lehkonen, and Cale Makar. And finally, there’s the ever-present question mark of Gabriel Landeskog and whether or not he will return and have his cap hit impact the lineup.

Nonetheless, the Avalanche has its goaltender for the future. What do you think of the signing? Let us know in the comments below!