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Blackwood just blew up Team Canada's Olympic goalie plans

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Theodore Mosby
December 19, 2025 (3:00 PM)

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Mackenzie Blackwood is suddenly part of the Team Canada Olympic goalie talk, and Colorado Avalanche fans are buzzing about his .920 save percentage and late-season push. The goalie's strong run since returning from injury has him in the mix with big names for the 2026 Winter Games.

Blackwood missed the early portion of this season after offseason surgery, and he didn't make his Avalanche debut until November 1. That delay left him well behind others in games played, a factor national team decision-makers traditionally weigh in big tournaments.

Blackwood's hot play fuels Olympic buzz.

Aarif Deen from Colorado Hockey Now writes that since stepping between the pipes, Blackwood has been sharp with 10 wins, just one loss and one overtime defeat while posting two shutouts. Those numbers have helped lift the Avalanche back into the playoff picture, and they've also turned some heads in Canada's Olympic planning circles.

Pierre LeBrun reported that Blackwood remains among four goalies still actively under consideration for Team Canada's Olympic roster, alongside Logan Thompson, Darcy Kuemper and Jordan Binnington. That list omits Scott Wedgewood, Blackwood's Avalanche teammate, which speaks to how competitive the goalie pool has become.

There's a real sense among Avs fans that Blackwood's play since his return feels like a storybook turnaround, and social channels have lit up with support for his Canadian bid. His save percentage and win total may not be the leading figures nationally, but they tell a story of momentum and resilience.

Logan Thompson's steady work with the Vegas Golden Knights and Darcy Kuemper's veteran resume give Canada options that have been tested more recently at the international level. Jordan Binnington's experience and past success with Canada also remain strong factors as decision time nears.

Blackwood's numbers earn respect, but the late start still places him slightly behind in the eyes of some evaluators. Canada's goalie trio for the Olympics typically blends experience with recent performance, and Blackwood finds himself in that tension point right now.

For Avalanche fans, seeing one of their own in the conversation is energizing. Blackwood's route back from surgery, his impact on Colorado's standings and potential Team Canada role combine into a narrative that feels bigger than just stats on a sheet.

Whether he ultimately makes the final roster or not, Blackwood's play has widened the conversation and given Avs supporters a neat subplot to watch as the NHL season speeds toward the playoffs and Olympic selection looms.

Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily

New report exposes Avalanche rival's game-changing advantage this season

Avalanche reportedly still kicking tires on a surprise homecoming in latest trade rumour

Avalanche icon didn't hold back when asked about losing Quinn Hughes in NHL's latest blockbuster

POLL
DECEMBRE 19 \| 24 ANSWERS Blackwood just blew up Team Canada's Olympic goalie plans Do you think Mackenzie Blackwood should be one of Canada's Olympic goalies?
Yes	22	91.7 %
No	2	8.3 %
List of polls

Blackwood just blew up Team Canada's Olympic goalie plans

Mackenzie Blackwood is suddenly part of the Team Canada Olympic goalie talk, and Colorado Avalanche fans are buzzing about his .920 save percentage and late-season push. The goalie's strong run since returning from injury has him in the mix with big names for the 2026 Winter Games.

Blackwood's hot play fuels Olympic buzz.

Do you think Mackenzie Blackwood should be one of Canada's Olympic goalies?