Colorado Avalanche News

Blackwood has deservedly earned the trust of Head Coach Jared Bednard early in the 2026-27 season, outplaying counterpart Scott Wedgewood, and will return to the crease for the 12th in 17 games. The 29-year-old Blackwood was solid in his last start, saving 21 of 23 shots (.913 SV%) in a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. He has a 2.80 GAA and .894 SV% in 12 appearances (8-3-0). Colorado enters Thursday's game as a sizeable -209 home favourite against a Nashville Predators team coming off an impressive 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Wedgewood's tremendous 2025-26 season, with a 2.02 GAA and .921 SV% in 45 appearances (31-6-6), was expected to earn him at least a timeshare in 2026-27, but he has struggled out of the gate. The 34-year-old goalie has only played four of 15 games for Colorado this season, posting an ugly 3.48 GAA, an .889 SV%, and a 1-2-1 record. In his most recent outing, he allowed six goals on 35 shots (.829 SV%) in a 6-2 loss to the Nashville Predators. Colorado enters Tuesday's game as -118 road favourites against a Columbus Blue Jackets team that has scored two or fewer goals in six of their past seven games (3-4-0).

Colorado Head Coach Jared Bednar has favoured Mackenzie Blackwood early in the 2026-27 season and will continue rolling with him on Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 29-year-old Blackwood saved 25 of 27 shots (.926 SV%) in his most recent game, a 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames. Blackwood has allowed three or fewer goals in six straight games (5-1-0), posting a 2.35 GAA and .915 SV%. The Avalanche enter the action as significant -222 road favourites.

Brindley has been in and out of the lineup this season and will return to the sidelines as a healthy scratch on Monday, accommodating the return of Logan O'Connor. The 22-year-old Brindley is averaging 8:54 time-on-ice and has one assist in five games this season.

O'Connor missed most of the 2025-26 season with a hip injury, and has already missed 11 games in 2026-27. That said, the 30-year-old is an effective bottom-six presence when he is in the lineup. He is averaging 13:24 time-on-ice and has zero points in three games this season.

With an impending back-to-back, the Avalanche have recalled an extra defenseman, Middleton, for precautionary reasons. The 28-year-old has spent most of his career in the AHL, but has three assists in 47 career NHL games.

Manson suffered an ankle injury earlier this week and has been ruled out for roughly two months. The 35-year-old Manson is averaging 14:59 time-on-ice, recording four points (1G / 3A), 17 blocks, and 28 hits in 13 games.

Roy has been sidelined for over two weeks with a lower-body injury, but he will return on Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils. The 29-year-old forward has four points (2G / 2A) in six games this season.

The Avalanche have been treading water in recent games, losing six of their last 10 (4-5-1), with suspect goaltending at least partly to blame. That said, Blackwood has been far more reliable than Wedgewood recently and is coming off a 31-save performance (.912 SV%) in a 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 29-year-old Blackwood has 2.53 GAA and .914 SV% in his last four games (3-1-0). Colorado enters Wednesday's contest as -136 home favourites against a red-hot New Jersey Devils team that has outscored opponents 16-6 in their last four games (4-0-0).

The Avalanche have been treading water in recent games, losing six of their last 10 (4-5-1), with suspect goaltending at least partly to blame. That said, Blackwood has been far more reliable than Wedgewood recently and is coming off a 31-save performance (.912 SV%) in a 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 29-year-old Blackwood has 2.53 GAA and .914 SV% in his last four games (3-1-0). Colorado enters Wednesday's contest as -136 home favourites against a red-hot New Jersey Devils team that has outscored opponents 16-6 in their last four games (4-0-0).

Makar is coming off a two-game stint with the Avalanche, but will head back to the AHL. He is still search for his first point through 14 games in the NHL. The 25-year-old has been more productive at the AHL level, where he has four points (3G / 1A) in six games with the Eagles this season.