Scott Wedgewood is currently sharing the NHL lead in wins with four other goalies and holds the league’s best goals-against average and highest save percentage this season. Despite these impressive stats, he faces the possibility of being excluded from Canada’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Hockey Canada has said it will reveal the Olympic team on New Year’s Eve, yet recent reports suggest Wedgewood may not be among the three goaltenders chosen, while his teammate Mackenzie Blackwood remains a contender.
TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun recently noted that Team Canada has narrowed its goalie choices to four: Mackenzie Blackwood, Logan Thompson, Darcy Kuemper, and likely excluding Wedgewood. Many feel this omission is unjustified given Wedgewood’s strong performance. When Blackwood was sidelined by a lower-body injury last offseason, Avalanche fans worried about the team’s goaltending stability. Wedgewood, acquired last year from the Nashville Predators, exceeded expectations by recording a stellar 13-4-1 record with a 1.99 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage, marking the best season of his eight-year career.
Instead of regressing, Wedgewood has continued to impress this season with a 15-1-4 record, a 2.10 goals-against average, and a career-high .920 save percentage over 22 games. Importantly, he has achieved this while playing significantly fewer games than top goaltenders like Igor Shesterkin, yet matching their win totals. Were Wedgewood an average backup, he would have average stats; however, his standout numbers should secure him a spot on Team Canada, despite competition from other elite goalies.
Critics might argue that Wedgewood’s high stats come with unusual circumstances, but this doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. He has consistently performed well against top NHL teams and handled an increased workload seamlessly. Michael Traikos, Hockey News Editor-in-Chief, highlights that the Avalanche boast two of the league’s best goalies—Wedgewood and the fully recovered Blackwood, who has also posted impressive shutouts and matching save percentages. It would be logical for Canada to include both in its Olympic squad.
The final goalie spot could be contested between Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper, though this seems less likely. Other Canadian options such as Jordan Binnington and Addin Hill have had underwhelming seasons and injuries. Ultimately, Scott Wedgewood’s strong case for the Olympic team is clear, yet he likely faces being overlooked—an outcome that many find unfair given his outstanding contributions.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for hockey fans because it highlights the intense competition and tough decisions behind Team Canada’s Olympic selections. Wedgewood’s potential exclusion raises questions about how performance, reputation, and politics intersect, affecting the future of goaltending talent representation on the international stage.
