Mackenzie Blackwood a long-term solution for Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche’s trade for netminder Mackenzie Blackwood was mildly surprising insofar as the timing of it. Alexandar Georgiev was coming off a strong game, fanning the flames in Avs’ fans hearts.

However, the writing was on the wall. It was only a matter of time before Georgiev got the heave-ho. In fact, the trade was a master stroke by GM Chris MacFarland.

Specifically, both Blackwood and Georgiev are free agents at the end of this season. Had the Avs stuck with Georgiev, they would have most likely let him walk. That situation would have meant getting nothing in return for a largely inconsistent player.

But by trading Georgiev for Mackenzie Blackwood, the Avalanche obtained something potentially valuable: A long-term solution.

That’s precisely what coach Jared Bednar called Blackwood on Wednesday. During a radio appearance, Bednar referred to Blackwood as a long-term solution in net. Moreover, Bednar was explicit in stating that Blackwood is not a rental.

If that’s the case, the MacFarland may have just pulled off the biggest trade of the season. As for the San Jose Sharks, Blackwood was expendable given top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov waiting in the wings.

So, does this situation mean that the Avs’ goaltending issues are over? Not precisely. Blackwood has yet to make his debut. It may even be a rocky first few games. But if Scott Wedgewood’s recent performance serves as any indication, Blackwood should hit the ground flying in Colorado.

Looking at Mackenzie Blackwood’s contract with Colorado Avalanche  

Considering that Mackenzie Blackwood is set to become a free agent, the Colorado Avalanche will need to figure out what to do about his next deal. That situation means determining what he’s worth.

Let’s start by looking at this current deal. Blackwood is in the last year of a two-year, $2.35 million deal. So, assuming everything goes well, Blackwood could be in line for a significant raise. If so, how much?

A good starting point could be a multi-year deal somewhere in the $3 to 5 million range. While paying more than $4 million would be considered an overpay, anything under $3 million might be seen as a low-ball offer. Thus, Blackwood could get a deal about $3.5 million AAV.

Then, there’s term to consider. Blackwood still hasn’t established himself as a full-fledged number-one goalie. So, it might not make sense for the Avalanche to go the full eight-year max deal. So, something like a three-year deal at $3.5 million AAV could be a starting point.

The biggest advantage in a deal such as this one is that it allows both the Avs and Blackwood to have flexibility. If Blackwood plays out of his mind, he can cash in on a big free-agent deal. If Blackwood doesn’t live up to expectations, the Colorado Avalanche are only on the hook for three seasons.

Ultimately, it seems that the Avs will move re-signing Blackwood to the top of the priorities list. With Scott Wedgewood under contract for one more season, the team will eventually get around to him about a potential extension.

The hope is that Blackwood and Wedgewood will become the answer to the Colorado Avalanche’s problems in the crease.