Massive Seven-Piece Trade Sees MacKenzie Blackwood Join Colorado Avalanche

In a major NHL mid-season shake-up, the San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche completed a seven-piece trade involving significant player and draft pick swaps. The deal sees goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood, forward Givani Smith, and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick heading to Colorado. In return, the Sharks receive goaltender Alexandar Georgiev (with 14% of his salary retained by the Avalanche), forward Nikolai Kovalenko, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick.

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Trade Breakdown and Reactions

For the Avalanche: The addition of Blackwood provides a fresh option in the net as Georgiev has struggled this season. Blackwood has shown flashes of brilliance, including a standout performance earlier this year with a 44-save shutout against the Devils. However, the trade has divided fans, with some questioning if Blackwood is the solution to Colorado’s goaltending challenges.

For the Sharks: By acquiring Georgiev and prospect Kovalenko, San Jose signals a commitment to a rebuild. This move also clears space for young goalie Yaroslav Askarov, touted as a future star, to take on a larger role.

Both teams are gambling on a better future, but immediate outcomes remain uncertain. Colorado hopes Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood can stabilize their goaltending, while San Jose bets on their youth and draft picks to eventually lead them back to contention