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Why Mackenzie Blackwood is entering the most crucial season of his career

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Marshall Stinson
September 2, 2025 (1:14 PM)

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Mackenzie Blackwood is entering a career-defining season with the Colorado Avalanche, finally getting a full year on a Cup-contending team and potentially earning a spot on Team Canada's Olympic roster.

The 28-year-old has had struggles in the past but was never on a good enough team to prove his true ability.

Mackenzie Blackwood enters biggest season of his career with the Avalanche.

Emma Miller of Puck Prose recently covered who can crack the Team Canada roster for this years' Winter Olympics that wasn't on the team last year for the 4-Nations tournament. Blackwood was a leading candidate.

"Blackwood, on the other hand, had an even better season statistically after being traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Colorado Avalanche. Once he was given the chance to take over in net for an actual contender, Blackwood performed extremely well with a 22-12-3 record, .913 SV%, 2.33 GAA, and three shutouts." -Miller

Miller did point out the struggles that Blackwood has experienced in the past, but did pardon him due to the lack of talent around him.

"Unlike Thompson, though, Blackwood has had a bit more of a rollercoaster career after having mixed results with the New Jersey Devils followed by a lackluster stint with the Sharks (understandably so). Still, the 28-year-old's resurgence with the Avalanche proves that he has the pure skill to carry his team to victory, and could serve as a reliable backup to call on if the need arises." -Miller

Since Carey Price retired, Canada's goaltending has been shrouded in uncertainty. Whether due to developmental gaps or the pressure of the spotlight, the country has yet to produce a true superstar in net, from the junior ranks to the NHL, following Price's era

Luckily for Canada, last year Jordan Binnington showed up when it mattered most, but he did have his struggles early on in the tournament. Blackwood has played on the biggest stages for Canada before, most notably at the World Juniors. If he continues his level of play, he could shock everyone and do it again on the biggest stage.

Source:
Puck Prose
Canada's Olympic snubs who could fight their way back onto the roster

Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily

This depth forward might hold the key to the Avalanche's upcoming season success

Former goalie of Avalanche rival drops bombshell criticism on the NHL

Avalanche divisional rival predicted to trade for former Vezina Trophy winner in latest development

POLL
SEPTEMBRE 2 \| 15 ANSWERS Why Mackenzie Blackwood is entering the most crucial season of his career Will Blackwood make the Team Canada Olympic roster?
yes	10	66.7 %
no	5	33.3 %
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Why Mackenzie Blackwood is entering the most crucial season of his career

Mackenzie Blackwood is entering a career-defining season with the Colorado Avalanche, finally getting a full year on a Cup-contending team and potentially earning a spot on Team Canada's Olympic roster.

Mackenzie Blackwood enters biggest season of his career with the Avalanche.

Will Blackwood make the Team Canada Olympic roster?