The San Jose Sharks have officially moved their top trade asset. In a move that Paul and Aaron have discussed for weeks, Mackenzie Blackwood is heading to the Colorado Avalanche. The crew breaks down the details of the trade, why the timing was right, and what the Sharks are getting in return.
The Trade Breakdown
The Sharks sent Mackenzie Blackwood, Givani Smith, and a 2027 fifth round pick to Colorado. In exchange, San Jose receives:
- Alexandar Georgiev: A veteran goaltender who has led the league in wins over the past two seasons but has struggled in his most recent outings.
- Nikolay Kovalenko: A promising young prospect who fits the “prospect” criteria Aaron was hoping for in any Blackwood deal.
- 2026 Second Round Pick: Valuable draft capital as Mike Grier continues to build through the early rounds of the draft.
- Conditional 2025 Fifth Round Pick: A minor pick swap to round out the deal.
Why Now? The Contract Reality
Many fans wondered why the Sharks would trade a goalie playing at an elite level. Mike Grier provided some clarity through an interview with Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now.
- Playing His Way Out: Blackwood’s incredible performance essentially raised his market value beyond what the Sharks were willing to pay for a veteran extension.
- UFA Status: At 28 years old, Blackwood is looking for both term and significant money in his next contract. With Yaroslav Askarov already signed to a one way extension for next season, committing long term to Blackwood didn’t fit the franchise timeline.
- A Return Too Good to Pass Up: Grier noted that a second round pick for a goalie is historically rare, usually reserved for Vezina Trophy winners, making this an offer he couldn’t refuse.
The Blackwood Legacy in San Jose
Mackenzie Blackwood leaves the Sharks having faced some of the most difficult conditions in the league.
- No Goal Support: Since 2009, Blackwood received the fewest goals in support per game of any Sharks goalie at just 2.08.
- High Volume Hero: He faced the third most shots per 60 minutes in franchise history, proving he could thrive under a heavy workload.
- Cup Opportunity: Paul and Aaron are both rooting for Blackwood in Colorado, hoping he gets the chance to prove he can lead a true contender to a Stanley Cup.
What to Expect from Georgiev
The Sharks are taking a gamble on Alexandar Georgiev rediscovering his form.
- Less Pressure: Moving from a “win now” environment in Colorado to San Jose might allow Georgiev to play a looser, more relaxed style of hockey.
- Asset Management: If Georgiev performs well, he could potentially become another trade chip for Mike Grier at the deadline.
