Mackenzie Blackwood is facing injury troubles again as the Avalanche have placed him on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. This marks his second stint on IR this season after an earlier absence. To compensate, Colorado has called up Trent Minor and Taylor Makar from their AHL team, the Colorado Eagles. Since a roster spot was already available, no further moves were required. Blackwood will be assessed after the team finishes its current three-game road trip.
The Avalanche have not shared specific details about Blackwood’s injury. He missed practice ahead of the trip, which prompted the roster change. Blackwood last played on New Year’s Eve, starting in a 6-1 win over the St. Louis Blues, his second consecutive start. Despite an inconsistent season with a shared role alongside Scott Wedgewood, Blackwood has been outstanding, boasting a 13-1-1 record, a .924 save percentage, and leading the league with a 2.07 points-against average over 16 games.
Blackwood sat out training camp and the early regular season due to rehab from offseason surgery on his lower body. During his absence, Wedgewood emerged as one of the NHL’s top goalies and is expected to take on the primary goaltending responsibilities while Blackwood is sidelined.
Taylor Makar was promoted to the NHL for the fourth time this season. The 24-year-old forward has played 26 games for the Colorado Eagles, tallying six goals, four assists, and 10 points. A seventh-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, Makar signed a one-year entry-level contract through to the 2025-26 season. Prior to turning professional, he spent three seasons at Massachusetts Amherst and then transferred to the University of Maine, where he had a breakout 2024-25 season with 18 goals and 12 assists in 38 games.
Meanwhile, Taylor’s older brother, Cale Makar, continues to be a key player for Colorado, leading their defense with 12 goals and 33 assists in 39 games this season.
Trent Minor has played in two NHL games this year with a record of 0-0-2, allowing four goals on 44 shots. In the AHL, Minor posted seven wins and two losses in 10 games with a 2.40 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. He is expected to serve as a backup for the Avalanche while Wedgewood steps up as the starter during Blackwood’s recovery.
The Avalanche, boasting a 30-2-7 record, will face the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on Saturday, followed by a road trip to Florida to play the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, on January 4th, and the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 6th.
Fan Take: Blackwood’s injury challenges could significantly test the Avalanche’s depth and resilience, showcasing the importance of having capable backups ready to step in. For hockey fans, this situation highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport and the excitement that comes with seeing emerging players like Minor and Taylor Makar get their chance to shine on the big stage.
