Blackwood has offseason injuries and may miss the first few games, forcing an early workload for Scott Wedgewood. His status shapes the goaltending depth chart and early-season stability behind the defense and forward group.

Blackwood figures as the counterparty in the Georgiev deal, signaling a larger trade-led shuffle that reshapes goaltending depth and could influence Buffalo’s partner teams. His destination remains a speculative variable for fantasy outlooks.

Blackwood, paired with Wedgewood, is viewed as a stabilizing tandem that could limit early-season rough starts and keep Colorado competitive in the crease, providing a solid fantasy safety net for goaltenders.

Mackenzie Blackwood's emergence as the Avalanche's starting goalie could offer fantasy managers a reliable option. His past performance shows he can keep teams competitive, making him a worthy draft consideration.

Mackenzie Blackwood, the Avalanche's newly acquired veteran goaltender, brings stability and experience to Colorado's net. With his long-term contract, he provides a reliable option while Nabokov develops.