How the Colorado Avalanche saved their season in a week
The Avalanche began the season with high expectations
by Alec Smith
The Colorado Avalanche experienced a significant turnaround in their 2024–25 NHL season following strategic goaltender trades that addressed early-season challenges and lapses.
Initially, the team struggled with inconsistent performances, particularly in the goaltending department, leading to a series of transactions that I think ultimately saved their season.
The Avalanche began the season with high expectations, aiming to build upon previous success of winning the cup in 2022.
However, the team faced defensive lapses and inconsistent goaltending, resulting in a series of losses. Starting goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, who had a stellar previous season leading the league with 40 wins, experienced a notable decline in performance.
Over 18 appearances, Georgiev recorded an 8-7-0 record with a 3.38 goals-against average (GAA) and an .874 save percentage, reflecting a significant drop in effectiveness which was among the league's worst
The team's defensive struggles were compounded by these goaltending issues, leading to a sense of urgency from General Manager Chris McFarland and President Joe Sakic to address the declining performance and stabilize the team's performance before a lost season occurred.
On November 30, 2024, the Avalanche traded goaltender Justus Annunen and a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Nashville Predators in exchange for veteran goaltender Scott Wedgewood.
Wedgewood brought experience and a steady presence to the backup goaltender position, providing reliability when called upon.
Recognizing the need for a more impactful change, the Avalanche executed a significant trade on December 9, 2024. They sent Alexandar Georgiev, forward Nikolai Kovalenko, a conditional 2025 fifth-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, forward Givani Smith, and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Blackwood, at 28, had demonstrated resilience and skill during his tenure with the New Jersey Devils and the Sharks, bringing a fresh dynamic to Colorado's goaltending lineup.
The arrival of Mackenzie Blackwood had an immediate positive effect on the Avalanche's performance. In his debut with Colorado on December 14, 2024, Blackwood delivered a stellar performance, making 37 saves in a 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators.
This strong showing set the tone for the team's resurgence.
Over his first four games with the Avalanche, Blackwood recorded a 3-1-0 record, a 2.03 GAA, and a .931 save percentage.
His consistent performances provided the team with the stability they had been lacking in the net. Recognizing his value, the Avalanche secured Blackwood's services with a five-year contract extension on December 27, 2024, reportedly valued at $5.25 million annually through the 2029–30 season.
Prior to the trade of Alexandar Georgiev on December 9, 2024, the Avalanche's record stood at 12 wins, 10 losses, and 2 overtime losses (12-10-2). This period was marked by inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities.
showcased when leader Devon Towes was clearly disgruntled with the teams goaltending citing that because of the lackluster goaltending the defense could find their groove.
Following the acquisition of Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, the team's performance improved dramatically. From December 10, 2024, to March 11, 2025, the Avalanche compiled a record of 21 wins, 8 losses, and 3 overtime losses (21-8-3).
This resurgence can be attributed to several factors but most importantly Stabilized Goaltending: Blackwood's reliable presence in the net instilled confidence in the team's defensive strategies, allowing players like Cale Makar and Devon Towes to execute the game plans more effectively.
Several games during this period exemplified the Avalanche's transformation. December 20, 2024: In a matchup against the San Jose Sharks, the Avalanche showcased resilience by overcoming a two-goal deficit. Joel Kiviranta headlined the night scoring two goals in the third period, leading to a 4-2 victory. Blackwood made 32 saves, underscoring his critical role in the comeback.
Also, on December 27, 2024 Artturi Lehkonen recorded his first career hat trick in a 4-1 win over the Utah Hockey Club. Nathan MacKinnon contributed with three assists, and Blackwood's 34 saves secured the win, reflecting the team's offensive and defensive synergy was finally starting to align.
All in all, the Colorado Avalanche's strategic decisions to trade Alexandar Georgiev and acquire Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood were pivotal in reversing their early-season struggles.
These moves stabilized the goaltending situation, leading to improved defensive performances and allowing the team's offensive talents to thrive.
Alec is a passionate sports journalist specializing in NFL coverage. With a deep knowledge of the game and a dedication to uncovering compelling stories, Alec delivers insightful analysis and engaging features that bring fans closer to the action. When not covering the latest games and breaking news, Alec enjoys connecting with readers and exploring the human side of sports.