Avalanche’s Unexpected Move: Blackwood Returns from Injured Reserve, Shaking Up Goaltending Depth!

After a frustrating stretch sidelined by injury, Mackenzie Blackwood is finally back between the pipes for the Colorado Avalanche just in time to face the Nashville Predators on Friday night. It’s been over two weeks since the last time the Avs had their full goaltending duo dressed and ready to rock, and Blackwood’s return is sparking plenty of buzz around the rink. The team made a swift roster adjustment on Wednesday, sending Trent Miner back to the Colorado Eagles, signaling a clear vote of confidence in Blackwood’s ability to shore up the crease again after missing six crucial games. This shakeup couldn’t come at a better moment for Colorado, as they aim to hustle through a vital homestand with the NHL’s top record flashing brightly atop the standings. I’ve been keeping a close eye on Blackwood’s numbers — that .924 save percentage and an NHL-best 2.07 goals-against average before his injury? Phenomenal stuff. The guy’s a seasoned pro who knows how to carry his weight when it matters most. If the Avalanche want to keep their momentum humming, having Mackenzie back healthy and sharp is just what the doctor ordered. LEARN MORE

For the first time in more than two weeks, the Colorado Avalanche will have their full goaltending tandem available when they host the Nashville Predators on Friday.

The Avalanche activated starting goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood from injured reserve on Wednesday, clearing the way for his return to the lineup after missing six games. Blackwood is expected to be a full participant in Thursday’s practice. In a corresponding roster move, Colorado reassigned Trent Miner to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles.

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Blackwood has not appeared since Dec. 31, when he stopped 12 of 13 shots in a 6–1 win over the St. Louis Blues. He was placed on injured reserve ahead of a three-game road trip, during which the Avalanche went 1–2–0 while also dealing with additional injuries to Gabe Landeskog and Devon Toews.

In total, Colorado posted a 3–2–1 record during Blackwood’s absence. Scott Wedgewood handled all three starts on the road and remained in net when the Avalanche opened their seven-game homestand against the Ottawa Senators. Miner was called upon for the final two games, recording his first career NHL win with a shutout of the Columbus Blue Jackets before following it up with a 4–3 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Before the injury, Blackwood had been one of the league’s most effective goaltenders. Through 16 appearances, the 29-year-old owns a 13–1–1 record with a .924 save percentage, while his 2.07 goals-against average led the NHL at the time he was sidelined. Serving as a tandem option alongside fellow Canadian Scott Wedgewood, Blackwood provided Colorado with steady, high-level goaltending throughout the season’s first half.

A veteran of eight NHL seasons, the Thunder Bay, Ont. native has compiled a career record of 116–104–29, with previous stops in San Jose and New Jersey before joining the Avalanche midway through the 2024–25 campaign. He carries a career .907 save percentage and a 2.91 goals-against average.

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Blackwood rejoins an Avalanche team riding strong form in the standings. Colorado enters Friday’s matchup with a 33–8–4 record through 45 games, sitting atop the NHL with 74 points — 11 clear of the Dallas Stars, who have played two additional games.

The Avalanche will look to build greater consistency as they continue an eight-game homestand, having gone 3–2–1 so far in January. Friday’s contest against the Predators marks the fourth game of that stretch before Colorado eventually heads back out on the road for four games.