Smith was an additional piece in a trade with Mackenzie Blackwood that sent Alexandar Georgiev and Nikolai Kovalenko to San Jose Sharks on Monday. The 26-year-old Smith was limited to only six games with the Sharks this season, averaging 6:17 time-on-ice in a fourth-line role, and will likely serve a similar role in his new home with the Avalanche.
With Colorado completely revamping their goaltending and trading away Justus Annunen and Alexandar Georgiev, Wedgewood will start on Tuesday but will likely take a secondary role behind Mackenzie Blackwood down the stretch. Wedgewood has a 2.82 GAA and .906 SV% through eight games split between Colorado and Nashville (3-3-1) but has been excellent since joining the Avalanche, boasting a 1.44 GAA and .951 SV% in three appearances (2-1-0). Colorado enters Tuesday's contest as -156 road underdogs against a Pittsburgh Penguins club coming off an impressive 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Smith was an additional piece in a trade with Mackenzie Blackwood that sent Alexandar Georgiev and Nikolai Kovalenko to San Jose Sharks. The 26-year-old Smith was limited to only six games with the Sharks this season, averaging 6:17 time-on-ice in a fourth-line role, and will likely serve a similar role in his new home with the Avalanche.
Colorado has addressed their goaltending issues this season by acquiring Mackenzie Blackwood from the San Jose Sharks. The 28-year-old Blackwood has been solid for a defensively troubled Sharks team this season, posting a 3.00 GAA and .909 SV% in 19 games (6-9-3). Blackwood will likely have the opportunity to control Colorado's crease for the remainder of the season, with Scott Wedgewood serving as his backup. Colorado also received Givani Smith and a 2027 fifth-round pick from the Sharks, with Alexandar Georgiev, Nikolai Kovalenko, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick going the other way.
Wedgewood was spectacular in his first appearance as an Avalanche on Tuesday and will be rewarded with his first start for the club on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 32-year-old Wedgewood saved all 22 shots he faced in relief of Justus Annunen in Tuesday's 5-4 come-from-behind win over the Buffalo Sabres. Colorado has struggled to receive consistent goaltending all season, and a strong performance from Wedgewood on Thursday could go a long way in solidifying a heavier workload. Colorado enters Thursday's contest as +135 road underdogs against Carolina.
Blackwood was outstanding in his previous outing, saving 36 of 38 shots (.947 SV%) in a 4-2 win over the Seattle Kraken, and will return to the crease on Tuesday against the Washington Capitals. The 27-year-old Blackwood is sporting a 3.06 GAA and .904 SV% in 16 games this season (5-8-3). The Sharks enter Tuesday's contest as sizeable +240 road underdogs against a Capitals club that leads the league offensively, averaging 4.2 goals per game.
Blackwood was outstanding in his previous outing, saving 36 of 38 shots (.947 SV%) in a 4-2 win over the Seattle Kraken, and will likely return to the crease on Tuesday against the Washington Capitals. The 27-year-old Blackwood is sporting a 3.06 GAA and .904 SV% in 16 games this season (5-8-3). The Sharks enter Tuesday's contest as sizeable +240 road underdogs against a Capitals club that leads the league offensively, averaging 4.2 goals per game.
Manson exited Friday's 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars after playing only 7:13 time-on-ice and will be out of action until, at earliest, December 7th against the Detroit Red Wings. The 33-year-old Manson is averaging 17:52 time-on-ice and has six points (1G / 5A) in 24 games this season.
Kylington has been decimated with injuries the past several seasons and will return to the sidelines on a week-to-week basis. The 27-year-old defenseman has been limited to eight games this season, averaging 12:10 time-on-ice and scoring two points (1G / 1A).
Colton suffered a lower-body injury at the end of October and was given a 6-8 week recovery timeline. Before his injury, the 28-year-old Colton was leading Colorado with eight goals in 10 game.
Middleton was the fourth-round pick, 101st overall, of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He has been a product of the Avalanche since the 2020-21 season and played three NHL games in that campaign, his only exposure to the NHL in his career. He has four points (0G / 4A) in 17 games with the Colorado Eagles (AHL).
