Two Colorado Avalanche stars are locks to make Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster. There’s no doubt we’re talking about Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The duo are the most dangerous weapons the Canadian side can throw at everyone else in the tourney.
Some may argue that Connor McDavid is better than MacKinnon. But if the 4 Nations Face-Off was an indication, it was MacKinnon who got tournament MVP honors.
But there’s one name that could become a surprising member of Team Canada’s side: Goalie Scott Wedgwood. According to a projection by the Fourth Period published on November 17, the Avalanche goalie landed the third spot on Canada’s depth chart.
Wedgewood joined Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals and Jake Allen of the New Jersey Devils as the trio projected to head to Milano-Cortina, Italy.
Of course, there’s little room to doubt the Brampton, Ontario native’s candidacy for Team Canada’s crease. He’s 11 wins in 15 games to go with a 2.17 GAA and a .917 SV%. Beyond the evident numbers, Wedgewood has been huge for the Avalanche this season.
It’s safe to say the Avalanche would not be first-overall in the NHL if not for Wedgewood’s fantastic performance this season.
As the piece noted, Wedgewood is a career backup. But there’s something about being one of the best backups: Pro backup goalies have no fear of coming into the game at any point. They’re not afraid of being called into action at a moment’s notice.
That’s the type of ease Scott Wedgewood can provide Team Canada.
Blackwood could represent Team Canada in 2026 Olympics
A second projection in the piece took Team Canada’s 4 Nations roster and tweaked some pieces. Unsurprisingly, that projection took St. Louis Blues netminder Jordan Binnington as the starter. While Binnington has had a tough start to this season, we know he’s money in the bank in big games.
So, that leaves two spots up for grabs. The other two goalies on last year’s 4 Nations Canada squad were Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights and Samuel Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens. Hill, unfortunately, has been dealing with injuries this season. If he’s healthy, he could slide into one of goalie slots.
As for Montembeault, he’s played himself out of a spot this season. So, that could leave one spot for Logan Thompson and another for MacKenzie Blackwood. Blackwood hasn’t been lights out this season. But you have to remember he’s just returned from injury.
With another two months or so of action, Blackwood could be in peak shape. And that’s no bueno for the opposition. A healthy Blackwood is not only a workhorse, but he’s also a fierce competitor. He spent years in front of bad defenses in New Jersey and San Jose. When he arrived in Colorado, the transformation was evident.
Now, imagine Blackwood in front of Team Canada’s defense. Having teammates Cale Makar and Devon Toews patrolling the ice is one heck of a starting point. Then, other blueliners like Shea Theodore, Thomas Harley, Josh Morrissey, and Drew Doughty make up a formidable defense core.
There is one caveat though: Could Blackwood or Wedgewood realistically make Team Canada? If I had to bet, I’d give each goalie a 50/50 chance. All three goalie spots are up for grabs. Team Canada GM Doug Armstrong will likely take the hot hand when final rosters are announced in December. Unless the wheels fall off Wedgewood or Blackwood, they should be on the shortlist for the Canadian Olympic roster.