Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mackenzie Blackwood

How Mackenzie Blackwood built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Mackenzie Blackwood is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. Notably, he was highly regarded as the top-rated North American goaltender leading up to the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Blackwood was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round, selected as the 42nd overall pick.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Joined Thunder Bay Kings

In 2011, Mackenzie Blackwood joined the Thunder Bay Kings of the Thunder Bay AAA Hockey League. During that season, he won 15 games with a 3.08 goals against average (GAA).

2012: Selected by Colts

In 2012, following his performance in minor hockey, the Colts selected Blackwood in the fifth round of the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.

2013: Became Starting Goaltender

During the 2013–14 season, Blackwood became the Colts' starting goaltender early in the season after Mathias Niederberger left the team.

2014: Selected for Subway Super Series

In 2014, Blackwood was selected as a member of the OHL All-Stars for the 2014 Subway Super Series.

June 24, 2015: Invited to Hockey Canada's U-20 Summer Development Camp

On June 24, 2015, Blackwood was one of only three goaltenders invited to attend Hockey Canada's U-20 summer development camp.

December 30, 2015: Signed with New Jersey Devils

On December 30, 2015, Blackwood signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils.

2015: Chosen for CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

In 2015, Blackwood was chosen to play the 2015 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, but was unavailable due to illness.

2015: Ranked Top Goaltender and Drafted by the New Jersey Devils

In 2015, Mackenzie Blackwood was ranked as the top North American goaltender by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. He was then selected by the New Jersey Devils in the second round, 42nd overall, in the 2015 NHL entry draft.

2016: Represented Canada at World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

In 2016, Mackenzie Blackwood was one of three goaltenders who represented the Canadian junior team at the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

January 1, 2018: Assigned to Adirondack Thunder

On January 1, 2018, after playing for the Devils' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, Blackwood was assigned to the Adirondack Thunder, the Devils' ECHL affiliate.

2018: Recalled to New Jersey Devils

In 2018, Blackwood began the season with the Binghamton Devils, the AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. He was recalled to New Jersey on December 17 after Cory Schneider was placed on injured reserve.

December 23, 2020: Re-signed with the Devils

On December 23, 2020, the Devils re-signed Blackwood to a three-year contract.

June 27, 2023: Traded to San Jose Sharks

On June 27, 2023, Blackwood was traded to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2023 sixth-round pick.

December 9, 2024: Traded to Colorado Avalanche

On December 9, 2024, Blackwood was traded by the Sharks to the Colorado Avalanche, along with Givani Smith and a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NHL entry draft, in exchange for Alexandar Georgiev, Nikolai Kovalenko, a 2025 conditional fifth-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL entry draft.

December 27, 2024: Agreed to contract extension with Colorado Avalanche

On December 27, 2024, following 4 outings with Colorado, Blackwood agreed to five-year, $26.25 million contract extension to remain with the Avalanche through 2030.