The Tandem That Holds the Net
The Colorado Avalanche enter the 2026‑27 season with a goaltending tandem that appears, on paper, rock solid. Veteran Mackenzie Blackwood and reliable backup Scott Wedgewood have both logged substantial minutes in the NHL, giving the club a foundation that looks difficult to shake.
Blackwood’s résumé includes flashes of elite performance, but last season his consistency faltered; he missed training camp, spent stretches on the bench, and saw his role fluctuate, raising questions about his ability to handle a full workload.
Wedgewood, by contrast, posted the best statistical season of his career, securing a career‑high 31 victories and demonstrating the steadiness that makes him an effective 1B option behind Blackwood.
A Rookie's Ascent
Adding intrigue is 23‑year‑old Ilya Nabokov, the second‑round pick of the 2024 NHL Draft who arrived from the KHL with a reputation for poise and sharp reflexes. His transition to North America has been closely watched, especially as the Avalanche evaluate how quickly he can adapt to the smaller ice and faster pace.
Nabokov is slated to begin the campaign with the Colorado Eagles, the AHL affiliate, where he will battle for starts against Trent Miner. The competition is fierce, but early reports suggest he is adjusting well and could force the coaching staff’s hand sooner than expected.
The central question is not whether Nabokov will eventually reach the NHL, but when his first NHL appearance will arrive. Injuries to Blackwood or a sudden surge in performance could accelerate his debut, potentially as early as this season.
Contractually, Wedgewood will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027, while Blackwood still has four years remaining on his deal. This timeline means the Avalanche’s long‑term goaltending strategy could shift dramatically if Nabokov proves ready for NHL action before then.
If the rookie can translate his KHL success to the AHL and earn a call‑up, the franchise may find itself re‑evaluating its investment in the current tandem and planning for a future where a younger, perhaps more dynamic, netminder leads the charge.