Colorado Avalanche News

Since the start of the 2026-27 season, Head Coach Jared Bednar has leaned on Mackenzie Blackwood over Scott Wedgewood, who has struggled to start the campaign. That said, Wedgewood's struggles aside, Blackwood has earned his increased workload. The 29-year-old Blackwood was excellent in his most recent outing, recording his first shutout of the season, with a 27-save performance in a 4-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Colorado enters Tuesday's game as -160 road favourites against a struggling Toronto Maple Leafs team that has been outscored 11-4 during a three-game losing streak (0-3-0).

Since the start of the 2026-27 season, Head Coach Jared Bednar has leaned on Mackenzie Blackwood over Scott Wedgewood, who has struggled to start the campaign. That said, Wedgewood's struggles aside, Blackwood has earned his increased workload. The 29-year-old Blackwood was excellent in his most recent outing, recording his first shutout of the season, with a 27-save performance in a 4-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Colorado enters Tuesday's game as -160 road favourites against a struggling Toronto Maple Leafs team that has been outscored 11-4 during a three-game losing streak (0-3-0).

Makar looked uncomfortable leaving Sunday's practice early due to an undisclosed ailment, but he said he felt good on Tuesday and should be in the lineup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 28-year-old Makar remains one of the league's most productive defensemen, with 21 points (5G / 16A) in 17 games. He is coming off a three-point performance (1G / 2A) in a 4-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings.

With Cale Makar (undisclosed) uncertain for Colorado's next game, the team has called up Gagne for precautionary reasons. The 24-year-old Gagne has never played an NHL game and has two points (2G / 0A) this season in 14 games with the Colorado Eagles (AHL).

Head Coach Jared Bednar didn't have any updates after practice and said Makar will be evaluated further.

Blackwood has deservedly earned the trust of Head Coach Jared Bednard early in the 2026-27 season, outplaying counterpart Scott Wedgewood, and will return to the crease for the 12th in 17 games. The 29-year-old Blackwood was solid in his last start, saving 21 of 23 shots (.913 SV%) in a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. He has a 2.80 GAA and .894 SV% in 12 appearances (8-3-0). Colorado enters Thursday's game as a sizeable -209 home favourite against a Nashville Predators team coming off an impressive 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Wedgewood's tremendous 2025-26 season, with a 2.02 GAA and .921 SV% in 45 appearances (31-6-6), was expected to earn him at least a timeshare in 2026-27, but he has struggled out of the gate. The 34-year-old goalie has only played four of 15 games for Colorado this season, posting an ugly 3.48 GAA, an .889 SV%, and a 1-2-1 record. In his most recent outing, he allowed six goals on 35 shots (.829 SV%) in a 6-2 loss to the Nashville Predators. Colorado enters Tuesday's game as -118 road favourites against a Columbus Blue Jackets team that has scored two or fewer goals in six of their past seven games (3-4-0).

Colorado Head Coach Jared Bednar has favoured Mackenzie Blackwood early in the 2026-27 season and will continue rolling with him on Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 29-year-old Blackwood saved 25 of 27 shots (.926 SV%) in his most recent game, a 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames. Blackwood has allowed three or fewer goals in six straight games (5-1-0), posting a 2.35 GAA and .915 SV%. The Avalanche enter the action as significant -222 road favourites.

Brindley has been in and out of the lineup this season and will return to the sidelines as a healthy scratch on Monday, accommodating the return of Logan O'Connor. The 22-year-old Brindley is averaging 8:54 time-on-ice and has one assist in five games this season.

O'Connor missed most of the 2025-26 season with a hip injury, and has already missed 11 games in 2026-27. That said, the 30-year-old is an effective bottom-six presence when he is in the lineup. He is averaging 13:24 time-on-ice and has zero points in three games this season.

With an impending back-to-back, the Avalanche have recalled an extra defenseman, Middleton, for precautionary reasons. The 28-year-old has spent most of his career in the AHL, but has three assists in 47 career NHL games.