Avalanche Outlook: Blackwood, Makar and the Road Ahead
Mackenzie Blackwood entered the 2024‑25 campaign as the clear No. 1 netminder for the Colorado Avalanche, but a condensed preparation after missing the bulk of training camp has raised questions about his readiness to reclaim the starting role.
The team’s management has highlighted that his performance dipped noticeably after the layoff, and while his statistical output was solid in stretches, the inconsistency has opened the door for trade speculation, with general manager Jared Bednar indicating that a change could be on the horizon if the situation does not improve.
Meanwhile, star defenseman Cale Makar has been the subject of injury chatter, with early reports suggesting a shoulder issue. No official diagnosis has been released, and the organization has emphasized that any surgical procedure would have been disclosed in its regular offseason surgery updates.
General manager Joe Sakic has repeatedly assured fans that every player, including Makar, will be fully healthy and prepared for the upcoming training camp, and the club expects the blue‑liner to be ready for the season opener.