Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood fires back at Team Canada following Olympic roster snub

The 28 year old netminder was asked about Team Canada and the idea of joining as an injury replacement, and his answer was blunt and refreshingly honest. Blackwood said he has never spoken with Hockey Canada, has not done any testing, and understood the situation was always uncertain.

Blackwood acknowledged there was some disappointment, which is natural for any Canadian goalie playing well in the NHL. Still, he framed it as a realistic outcome rather than a snub, saying it felt like a 50 50 situation at best.

For the Avalanche, the clarity actually helps. Colorado knows exactly where its starting goaltender stands mentally, and there is no looming distraction tied to Olympic what ifs hanging over the room.

As an Avalanche fan watching this play out, the honesty lands well, because nothing derails a season faster than outside noise creeping into the crease.

Blackwood has been one of Colorado's steadier stories this season, providing reliable starts behind a team that still leans heavily on structure and puck management. His calm demeanor fits a group that already sends plenty of star power to international events through skaters like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

Team Canada ultimately went in a different direction with its goaltending group, prioritizing familiarity and past international usage. That left several capable NHL goalies, Blackwood included, on the outside looking in without much ceremony.

The key point is that there is no injury replacement pipeline forming behind the scenes, at least not involving the Avalanche goalie. Blackwood's comments shut that door firmly, and Hockey Canada has not suggested otherwise publicly.

That matters for Colorado's second half. Blackwood can stay locked into managing his workload, sharpening his rebound control, and handling traffic without juggling travel plans or contingency calls.

In a season where goaltending stability has been precious for the Avalanche, the lack of Olympic distraction might be a quiet positive. Blackwood stays put, the routine stays intact, and Colorado keeps rolling with clarity in net.