The Colorado Avalanche could still be looking at what’s out there in the goalie market. Now, that statement might seem surprising. After all, it seems as though the Avs’ goaltending situation has begun to sort itself out.
To begin with, Justus Annunen has emerged as the team’s number-one netminder. In eight appearance this season, Annunen has five wins, a 2.64 GAA and an .894 SV%. Those number aren’t exactly eye-popping, but highlight how well Annunen turned things around following a shaky start to the season.
Then, there’s Alexandar Georgiev. He’s been in the proverbial doghouse following a dismal start this season. However, his last outing against the Winnipeg Jets had to be the most encouraging sign of the season.
Even though the Colorado Avalanche lost to the Jets, the 1-0 loss against the league’s best team is certainly encouraging for Georgiev.
Now, there’s another twist to the Avs’ goaltending situation. The team is currently carrying three goalies. The Avs added Kaapo Kahkonen for depth and insurance. Unfortunately, Kahkonen isn’t the magic solution to all of the Avalanche’s goaltending woes.
With that in mind, are the Avalanche still looking at the goalie market?
The short answer is yes. The Avs have been looking at available netminders as far back as the beginning of October. In particular, one name stands out as a potential target for the Colorado Avalanche.
Mackenzie Blackwood on the Colorado Avalanche’s radar
Earlier this season, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman stated on the 32 Thoughts Podcast that the Avs could be interested in San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood.
Friedman stated that the Avs have been interested in Blackwood for quite a while now. That interest dates back to last year’s trade deadline. Nevertheless, a deal has yet to materialize.
But just because a deal hasn’t happened now, it doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen.
Let’s now add another twist. During training camp, the Sharks traded for top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov from the Nashville Predators. Askarov projects as the Sharks’ goalie of the future. Depending on circumstances, that future could happen as soon as this season.
As such, Askarov could make Blackwood redundant. And, that’s where the Colorado Avalanche stand to benefit. Adding Blackwood would give the Avalanche a solid partner to form a tandem with Annunen. Plus, acquiring Blackwood would not come at a prohibitive cost.
Ultimately, exploring a deal for Blackwood is something the Avs must do at this point in the season. There’s no telling if Georgiev’s great performance against the Jets was just a one-off or a sign of better things to come.
Regardless, the Avs cannot allow the season to slip away due to goaltending issues. The club must explore every possibility to ensure stability in the crease.
