Mackenzie Blackwood Reflects on Sharks Stint Before Avalanche Move

Mackenzie Blackwood has been making waves with the Colorado Avalanche following his recent trade, but the goaltender revealed he was open to staying with the San Jose Sharks under different circumstances.

The Sharks, currently navigating a rebuild, traded Blackwood to Colorado in a deal aimed at acquiring long-term assets. Despite this, Blackwood admitted he would have considered an extension with San Jose had the opportunity been presented.

“Yeah, for sure. I mean, if they wanted to do something like that at the time, I would have been open to it, but I don’t think they’re in the same place as me and my career,” Blackwood told San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng.

Turning Things Around in San Jose

Blackwood’s career experienced a resurgence during his time with the Sharks. Once considered a rising star with the New Jersey Devils, injuries and inconsistent performances led to his eventual trade to San Jose.

With the Sharks, Blackwood regained his form:

• In his final two seasons with the Devils, Blackwood posted a -15.87 Goals Saved Above Average (GSAA).
• During his tenure in San Jose, he managed 0.87 GSAA and an impressive 17.48 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx), per Evolving Hockey.

Blackwood credits Sharks GM Mike Grier for giving him a chance to reestablish himself:

“It was a great opportunity. I obviously owe Griersy a lot of credit for that. He believed in me, dropped me in, and gave me a chance to play. I got myself turned around, got my game back on track.”

Thriving in Colorado

Since joining the Avalanche, Blackwood has delivered stellar performances, posting a .938 save percentage through his first three games. Now, the 27-year-old has a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup with a team primed for a deep playoff run.

If Blackwood maintains his strong play, he could become a pivotal piece in Colorado’s postseason ambitions.

The Sharks’ Rebuild and Blackwood’s Departure

While Blackwood’s departure aligns with San Jose’s long-term vision, it highlights the difficult decisions teams face during rebuilds. For the Sharks, focusing on developing younger talent and acquiring future assets remains the priority.

Meanwhile, Blackwood’s journey from adversity to success underscores the value of persistence and the impact of finding the right fit. Whether with the Avalanche or elsewhere, his career trajectory suggests there’s still much to look forward to. The move underscores the challenges of balancing immediate needs with future goals in a rebuild. While the Sharks will miss Blackwood’s reliability in net, they remain committed to building a roster capable of sustained success.

The Bigger Picture

Mackenzie Blackwood’s story is one of perseverance and adaptability. From his struggles in New Jersey to his resurgence in San Jose and now his strong start in Colorado, Blackwood’s journey is a testament to the importance of the right environment and the opportunities that come with it.

Whether he helps the Avalanche to playoff glory or continues to shine in the seasons ahead, Blackwood’s career trajectory suggests he still has much to contribute to the NHL.