DENVER — We should have a clear indication shortly regarding whether Mackenzie Blackwood is prepared to return to NHL competition.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Blackwood will join the AHL’s Colorado Eagles on a conditioning assignment. This step comes after offseason surgery to address a lower-body injury, and the assignment is designed to help him regain his game readiness, build confidence on the ice, and ensure he can perform to NHL standards.
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When Scott Wedgewood took to the ice, he assumed the majority of reps, often taking them all, highlighting the contrast in activity. Observers soon began to suspect that Blackwood was not yet himself. In one notable sequence, he visibly struggled to push off his right leg and emitted an audible groan. Less than a week later, he had stepped back from the main group entirely, joining the roster of injured skaters. There, alongside Samuel Girard—who had also been active in offseason skating before suffering a lower-body injury over the summer—Blackwood continued his recovery away from the main drills. It wasn’t until October 6 that Blackwood, who was drafted 42nd overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2015, began to take shots from the main group of skaters again.
Blackwood’s Injury Was Kept A Secret
Until recently, the specifics of Blackwood’s injury had been largely kept under wraps, as is typical with most player injuries. However, this situation was somewhat unusual. Observers could infer from watching him skate that he was dealing with a lower-body issue, but the full extent of his condition remained undisclosed—until it was publicly revealed on national television. During the Vegas Golden Knights’ broadcast of their preseason matchup against the Avalanche on September 30 at Ball Arena, the announcers disclosed that Blackwood had undergone offseason surgery to address the injury. It is certainly uncommon to learn the specifics of a goaltender’s injury from the opposing team’s broadcast. But nonetheless, Blackwood has been working feverishly to get back into playing shape, but the Avs made the right decision to have him go to Loveland to work out the cobwebs.
Right Decision
A comparable scenario is now unfolding with Blackwood. While fewer punches are likely to be thrown, the objective remains the same: to fine-tune the body and assess readiness on all fronts—mentally, physically, and emotionally. The outcome could go one of two ways: Blackwood will either appear fully prepared or show that he still has work to do. Naturally, everyone hopes it is the former.
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Regardless of the outcome with Blackwood, the Avalanche could find themselves in a favorable position. Since being traded from the Nashville Predators for Justus Annunen last season, Scott Wedgewood has arguably played the best hockey of his career. In 19 appearances, he compiled a 13–4–1 record while posting career-best marks with a 1.99 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. But if Blackwood survives this latest test, it certainly won’t hurt to have two starting goaltenders.
What’s Next?
The Colorado Avalanche (3-0-1) are in Ohio in preparation to square off against the Columbus Blue Jackets (1-2) on Thursday. Puck drop is at 5 p.m. local time.