Colorado Avalanche netminder throwing his hat in Vezina conversation

The Colorado Avalanche got a big 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night Ball Arena. The Avs schooled the upstart Ducks, showing the difference between an emerging contender and an established one.

Nathan MacKinnon had three assists, while Gabriel Landeskog got his goal of the season. Most importantly, it was his first regular-season goal in 1,347 days. His yeoman’s goal was precisely the type that the Avalanche captain specializes in.

Despite the fantastic performances, the Avalanche’s best player was goaltender Scott Wedgewood. Pressed into service due to MacKenzie Blackwood’s injury, Wedgewood became the first NHL goalie to get to 10 wins this season.

But beyond the raw numbers, Wedgewood could be making a case for the Vezina Trophy this season. That may seem like a bold claim, but his play on Tuesday night has provided plenty of justification.

Here’s a look at two saves Wedgwood made on the night, as shown on the Avalanche’s official X account:

Wedgewood ended the night with 35 saves. He allowed just one goal, earned the game’s first star. The 33-year-old now has a 2.26 GAA and a .913 SV%. Those are numbers that have not gone unnoticed around the league. If Wedgewood keeps this performance going, he’ll certainly have a shot at earning a nomination at the very least.

Avalanche netminder on pace to surpass career highs

Wedgewood played 32 games for the Dallas Stars during the 2023-24 season. He won 16 games to go with a 2.85 GAA and an .899 SV%. He stepped in at a time when Dallas needed a goalie to stabilize the club. He did just that, even though it wasn’t good enough for Dallas to keep him.

This season, however, Wedgewood is on pace to blow past his career highs. He’s already started 14 games and has 10 wins. His 2.26 GAA looks great, but is still over the 1.99 GAA he posted in 19 games last season. His save percentage is on par with last year’s totals.

Based on that situation, Wedgewood looks poised to become a fixture for Colorado this season and beyond. He’s in the final year of his current deal. As a result, the Avalanche are now in urgent need of extending Wedgewood.

If the Avalanche take their sweet time, another team could come in and scoop up Wedgewood. With goaltending at such a premium, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some team throw crazy money at Wedgewood.

Wedgewood could follow in the footsteps of Jake Allen. The New Jersey Devils gave the 35-year-old Allen a five-year contract just to keep him around.

Why? Well, because several teams were circling the water looking to land him. That’s how crazy the goaltending market can get.

So, the Avalanche would do well to get their ducks in a row (no pun intended) and lock up Wedgewood now.