The Colorado Avalanche have announced a trade with the San Jose Sharks, exchanging goaltenders Alexandar Georgiev for Mackenzie Blackwood. In addition to Blackwood, the Avalanche have also acquired forward Givani Smith and a fifth-round draft pick in 2027 from the Sharks. In return, the Sharks received forward Nikolai Kovalenko and two draft picks – a fifth-round selection in 2025 and a second-round pick in 2026.
As part of the deal, Colorado will retain 14% of Georgiev’s contract, totaling around $476,000. Georgiev, who has been struggling this season, was in the final year of his $10.2 million, three-year deal. This trade comes as the Avalanche look to strengthen their goaltending situation and make a push for the playoffs.
The move adds depth to both teams’ rosters, with Blackwood expected to provide a boost to the Avalanche’s goaltending stability. Smith also brings added depth at the forward position for Colorado, while Kovalenko provides the Sharks with a young and promising player to develop.
Overall, this trade represents a strategic move by both teams to address their respective needs and strengthen their lineups for the remainder of the season. It will be interesting to see how these new additions contribute to their teams as they compete for a spot in the playoffs.
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