Confirmed Trade: [COL/SJS] Mackenzie Blackwood, Givani Smith, 2027 5th for Alexandar Georgiev (14% ret.), Nikolai Kovalenko, 2026 2nd, cond. 2025 4th

[Ncit3]

If anyone thinks that Mackenzie Blackwood is a lateral move to Georgiev probably lives on the East Coast and only watches the Avs once a season because "a game starting at 9pm is too late for my bedtime".

Georgiev was a disaster most nights. So much so that his own teammates would skate by him and tell him he f***ing sucks.

 

[Nemesis Prime]

ah sweet, now my blackwood young guns cards will shoot up in value

 

[BelovedIsles]

Not sure why SJ would give up a quality starter who can win you games. Him and Askarov looked to be a good tandem.

 

[vortexy]

Not sure why SJ would give up a quality starter who can win you games. Him and Askarov looked to be a good tandem.

This interview from Grier pretty much outlines exactly why he did the trade if you are interested in reading it. TLDR The return was too good for him to pass it up, Blackwood will be a UFA and he played his way out of SJ for what he is looking to be paid+term especially since Askarov is the future.

Also in terms of winning, the Sharks are still a LONG way from actually competing for a Cup and especially in this upcoming draft class, getting a top 4 pick would mean getting another crucial piece for the Sharks future as there is a clear drop off after the top 4. Remember the Sharks would need to be either the worst or second worst team in the league to guarantee a top 4 pick and Grier even states "I think you guys all see how far we really are away from what the championship standard is in this league, and that's what we're trying to get to. It's my job to look at the present but keep an eye on the future as well. We got to keep building it."

Grier explains why Sharks couldn't refuse Avs' trade for Blackwood

San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier spoke to San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng about why he traded goalie Mackenzie Blackwood and what he likes about the package he received in return.

www.nbcsportsbayarea.com

 

[Nogatco Rd]

Damn, they couldn’t dig up a pic of Givani for the tweet?

 

[dirtydanglez]

Damn, they couldn’t dig up a pic of Givani for the tweet?

hes going to the eagles anyway

 

[TruePowerSlave]

Sharks have their tank commander on board

 

[CanadienShark]

Not really in love with this deal, mostly because I don't want Georgiev. Ah well, I'll take the 2nd for Blackwood.

 

[biturbo19]

I still don't think that collecting mediocre-poor goaltenders is going to fix the Avs issues in net tbh.


But perhaps clearing some cap lets them make a move to actually fix their goaltending. Maybe?

 

[TruePowerSlave]

I still don't think that collecting mediocre-poor goaltenders is going to fix the Avs issues in net tbh.


But perhaps clearing some cap lets them make a move to actually fix their goaltending. Maybe?

Depends how you define fixed. Georgiev is horrible, this trade + Wedgewood already should be a clear upgrade.

 

[bbfan419]

This was a move the Avs made just to get rid of Georgiev, because Blackwood is not solid # 1

 

[Iwishihadaspacebar]

This is pretty decent for both.

The Avs just need .890% goaltending to be a competitor and Blackwood should give that.

The Sharks are hoping Georgiev bounced back and can be serviceable at minium. If he becomes decent enough with a change of scenery then even better. A 2nd and a roster player plus Georgiev for Blackwood and Smith is a decent return, especially when Blackwood cost a 6th to acquire.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

Not sure why SJ would give up a quality starter who can win you games. Him and Askarov looked to be a good tandem.

Maybe trying to flip him while they think his value is peaking.

 

[DJB]

Blackwood stunk in NJ why all of a sudden does Col think he’s going to be better with them?

 

[Saskatoon]

Blackwood stunk in NJ why all of a sudden does Col think he’s going to be better with them?

Two years of good play in SJ?

 

[Murzu]

Avs were a wagon, look at his playoff stats. One of the worst cup winning goalies ever. Hell wasn't that the year ya'll won a rd without him too

Kuemper was half blind in the playoffs...

 

[Patty Ice]

The Sharks are hoping Georgiev bounced back and can be serviceable at minium.

Sharks need him to suck the rest of the way and ditch him at the end of the year when he has fulfilled his part of the tank.

Blackwood stunk in NJ why all of a sudden does Col think he’s going to be better with them?

Because he has been good in San Jose? You do realize there has been a few years in-between...

"Why all of a sudden"

 

[Muffin]

Sharks need him to suck the rest of the way and ditch him at the end of the year when he has fulfilled his part of the tank.



Because he has been good in San Jose? You do realize there has been a few years in-between...

"Why all of a sudden"

Also because realistically he was the best goalie available other than Gibson who has not been good for years and carry a multi year large cap hit.

“Why doesn’t Colorado just trade for Shesterkin he’ll fix all their issues in net” Hf is so stupid some times.

 

[KapG]

surprised so many ppl think Blackwood is cooked. Only 27…

Will be interesting to see how this plays out

 

[shadow1]

I still don't think that collecting mediocre-poor goaltenders is going to fix the Avs issues in net tbh.


But perhaps clearing some cap lets them make a move to actually fix their goaltending. Maybe?

Dating back to 1/1/24, Blackwood has a .910 SV% (min: 40gp).

That's tied for 8th in the NHL with Jusse Saros. It's better than a litany of name-brand goalies, like Markstrom, Oettinger, and Swayman.

Other popular trade rumor names like Gibson (.882), Merzlikins (.888), and Vladar (.890) have been bad-horrible this calendar year. Colorado added the goalie who's playing well now, even if his name has the lowest cachet.

 

[John Mandalorian]

Sharks need him to suck the rest of the way and ditch him at the end of the year when he has fulfilled his part of the tank.



Because he has been good in San Jose? You do realize there has been a few years in-between...

"Why all of a sudden"

Isn’t it obvious that the Sharks are playing their games past his/her bedtime?

 

[DJB]

Sharks need him to suck the rest of the way and ditch him at the end of the year when he has fulfilled his part of the tank.



Because he has been good in San Jose? You do realize there has been a few years in-between...

"Why all of a sudden"

Mediocre at best .

But hey maybe he’s the answer you’ve been looking for

 

[coooldude]

Mediocre at best .

But hey maybe he’s the answer you’ve been looking for

Try harder man... The poster you responded to is a clear sharks fan, not an avs fan.

 

[Muffin]

Not sure why people thought Colorado paid a high price? Remove all the pointless pieces it comes down to Georgiev + Kovalenko + 2nd for Blackwood.

The Avs unloaded Georgiev who had negative value and got a starter with Kovalenko and a 2nd. If San Jose waited until the deadline they probably could've gotten more from a desperate team. The only reason this deal even happened is because San Jose really liked Kovalenko.

 

[Patty Ice]

Mediocre at best .

But hey maybe he’s the answer you’ve been looking for

The f*** you on about. I'm a Sharks fan.

Blackwood has been awesome considering what's playing in front of him.

But I guess we all should take the word of a random Sens fan who's last exposure to him was when he was wearing a Devils' jersey...if that.