Grading the MacKenzie Blackwood Trade: Avalanche and Sharks Shake Up Goaltending
The Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks recently executed a trade that has reshaped their respective goaltending outlooks. With both teams swapping starting goalies and additional assets, the move is poised to have significant implications for their immediate and long-term futures. Let’s break down the deal and grade the results for each side.
San Jose Sharks’ Perspective
The Sharks capitalized on MacKenzie Blackwood’s resurgence to acquire a package that includes a potential goalie solution in Alex Georgiev and a forward with upside in Nikolai Kovalenko. They also gained valuable draft capital, including a second-round pick in a highly promising 2026 draft class.
Alex Georgiev: Georgiev struggled in his last two seasons with Colorado, posting a -23.02 Goals Saved Above Average (GSAA) and -7.11 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx). However, San Jose hopes a change of scenery can help him rediscover the form he displayed early in his Avalanche tenure.
Nikolai Kovalenko: Once considered a potential top-six forward for Colorado, Kovalenko has underwhelmed offensively with just 8 points in 28 games this season. At 25, he remains young enough to turn things around, and San Jose offers a fresh opportunity to unlock his potential.
Draft Picks: The second-round pick in 2026 is the most valuable asset in the deal, giving the Sharks a chance to bolster their rebuilding efforts in a highly regarded draft year.
Colorado Avalanche’s Perspective
The Avalanche addressed their immediate need for stability in goal. Blackwood brings improved form despite playing for a struggling Sharks team, making him a reliable option for Colorado’s Stanley Cup push.
MacKenzie Blackwood: Blackwood’s stats with the Sharks demonstrate a marked improvement: +0.87 GSAA over two seasons, 17.48 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx). These numbers indicate his ability to thrive under pressure, even behind weaker defensive units.
Price Paid: The Avalanche parted with Georgiev, who struggled in his final seasons with Colorado, and Kovalenko, who failed to meet expectations. While Kovalenko’s potential might make this trade sting down the road, Colorado’s focus on immediate contention justifies the move.
Draft Capital: Colorado gained a 2027 fifth-round pick, which holds limited value compared to the assets they sent to San Jose.
Long-Term Outlook
For the Sharks, the success of this trade will depend heavily on their ability to develop Kovalenko and rehabilitate Georgiev. If both players hit their ceilings, this trade could serve as a foundational move in their rebuild. However, failure to capitalize on these opportunities would make the deal less impactful.
For the Avalanche, the trade is about the present. If Blackwood can anchor their goaltending and help propel them deep into the playoffs, this move will be remembered as a smart, aggressive play. But if he falters, the team may regret not seeking a higher-profile goalie option.
Both the Avalanche and Sharks approached this trade with distinct goals: Colorado prioritized winning now, while San Jose continued to build for the future.
For the Sharks, this trade hinges on Georgiev regaining his confidence and Kovalenko developing into a consistent offensive threat. For the Avalanche, Blackwood’s acquisition signifies their all-in mentality, bolstering their roster as they aim for another Stanley Cup.
With both teams navigating unique paths, this trade has the potential to reshape their trajectories for years to come. Only time will reveal its ultimate impact.
