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Insider reveals where Mackenzie Blackwood really stands with Team Canada ahead of the Winter Olympics

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Theodore Mosby
December 20, 2025 (8:13)

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Colorados' goaltending has been a quiet strength for much of this season and now Mackenzie Blackwood finds himself in an unlikely Olympic spotlight as a finalist for Team Canada's 2026 roster. That's a big deal for Colorado Avalanche fans who've watched him grind back from injury and re-assert himself in the crease.

Blackwood's season hasn't been smooth, he missed the first month rehabbing from a lower-body procedure before returning in November with a solid performance against his former team, the Sharks. His game has stabilized the Avalanche in stretches when their high-powered offense needed a backstop.

Blackwood pushing for Olympic job in Canada net.

Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that NHL insider Pierre LeBrun noted on TSN's Insider Trading that Canada's Olympic goaltending race has narrowed to four names, with Blackwood joining Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, and Darcy Kuemper as the finalists for three spots. The names up for grabs include some heavy hitters, yet Blackwood's inclusion speaks to how well he's carved out a role in Colorado.

Blackwood isn't just a placeholder here, he's earned consideration through performance and perseverance. With the roster announcement looming on New Year's Eve, the chatter among Avalanche fans is that Blackwood could realistically earn action in Milan if he gets the call.
Mile High Sticking

Blackwood pushing for Olympic job in Canada net

That buzz isn't coming from nowhere, Avalanche faithful have seen him make key saves in tight games and carry the workload when needed. Canada's goalie pool isn't shallow, but Blackwood's recent play has made his name hard to ignore.

There's also talk around Scott Wedgewood pushing for his own spot, given his strong start to the season and shaky results from other Canadian options, which could muddle Canada's decision and put even more spotlight on Colorado's tandem.

When Canada finally unveils its official roster on New Year's Eve, Avalanche fans will be watching closely; if Blackwood makes the team, it'll be a personal highlight for the netminder and a boost for Colorado's profile heading into the second half of the NHL season.

Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily

One glaring flaw still haunts the Avalanche after Friday's 3-2 win over the Jets

Fans stunned as former Avalanche superstar loses it on referees over questionable slashing call

New report exposes a major area of concern for the Avalanche

POLL
DECEMBRE 20 \| 28 ANSWERS Insider reveals where Mackenzie Blackwood really stands with Team Canada ahead of the Winter Olympics Will Mackenzie Blackwood make the Team Canada Olympic roster?
Yes	20	71.4 %
No	8	28.6 %
List of polls

Insider reveals where Mackenzie Blackwood really stands with Team Canada ahead of the Winter Olympics

Blackwood pushing for Olympic job in Canada net.

Blackwood pushing for Olympic job in Canada net

Will Mackenzie Blackwood make the Team Canada Olympic roster?