The Colorado Avalanche have been the best team in the National Hockey League this season. They have a remarkable record of 16 wins, one regulation loss, and five losses in extra time for 37 points. We all know what an amazing season forward Nathan MacKinnon is having. He leads the NHL in goals (17), points (37), and plus/minus (+23). Colorado also has the best defenseman in the NHL. Cake Makar is putting together another Norris Trophy caliber season, and simply does not give up any scoring opportunities whenever he is on the ice. MacKinnon and Makar are already on Team Canada in February for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Another Avalanche player cannot be overlooked
As the Canadian management team, led by St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, is in the process of selecting the Olympic roster, one goaltender is basically getting zero recognition at this time. I am talking about Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood of Brampton, Ontario. There is a minimal chance Wedgewood will be chosen, but statistically so far in 2025-26, he has been outstanding and should be on the Canadian radar screen.
Wedgewood’s season to date
Wedgewood leads the National Hockey League season in goaltending wins with 13. Victories have always been important criteria by Canadian management when selecting a team, and so far Wedgewood has more victories than any other goaltender in the entire NHL. Wedgewood also has a goals against average of 2.09, save percentage of .918, and one shutout. The shutout came on Sunday in a 1-0 Avalanche win over the Chicago Blackhawks. And you can take two guesses who scored for Colorado. No, it was not MacKinnon, but it was Makar.
Been mostly used as a backup
Throughout his NHL career, Wedgewood has regularly been a backup goaltender. He has played in eight NHL seasons, but only has played 171 games. Wedgewood is averaging just over 20 games a season. However, heading into this season, Mackenzie Blackwood suffered an offseason injury, which meant he was not ready to start the season for Colorado.
Blackwood’s first game in 2025-26 was not until November 1, and the Avalanche were upset by the San Jose Sharks 3-2 in overtime. What we saw this past weekend was spectacular goaltending by Blackwood and Wedgewood. The Avalanche did not give up a single goal in two games. Not only was Wedgewood spectacular against the Blackhawks, but Blackwood was too as Colorado blanked Nashville 3-0 on Saturday.
