Avalanche Extend Goaltender Scott Wedgewood’s Contract to $2.5 Million

The Colorado Avalanche have secured goaltender Scott Wedgewood with a one-year contract extension worth $2.5 million. The announcement came on the morning of March 15, 2024, as a source confirmed the deal to the Denver Post. Wedgewood, who is currently in the final year of a two-year contract he signed with the Nashville Predators, would have become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Wedgewood joins teammate Mackenzie Blackwood to form what the team refers to as the “Lumber Yard” goaltending tandem, which is now secured through the 2026-27 season. The 33-year-old expressed his appreciation for the Avalanche organization, stating, “It’s just a place that my wife and I have felt at home with… It’s just been a good fit since I got here.”

The Avalanche acquired Wedgewood in a trade on December 1, 2024, sending goalie Justus Annunen and a sixth-round draft pick to the Predators. His addition came during a significant roster overhaul led by general manager Chris MacFarland. Since Wedgewood’s arrival, he has contributed to stabilizing the goaltending position at a time when the team struggled with a league-low save percentage.

Through the remainder of the 2024-25 season, the Avalanche improved to sixth in the NHL in save percentage, particularly after adding Blackwood ten days later. This season, Wedgewood has stepped up as the starter while Blackwood recovers from an offseason procedure. Wedgewood currently leads the NHL with 10 wins (10-1-2), and his save percentage of .913 ranks fifth among goalies with at least ten games played. Additionally, his 2.26 goals against average is third in the league.

Wedgewood noted that the finalization of his contract almost occurred the previous night and humorously mentioned that his wife learned about it through social media just before the morning skate at Ball Arena. He also mentioned that his parents are visiting to celebrate the contract extension. “It’s a chance to play 30-plus games, a chance to be on a really good team, a chance of winning the Stanley Cup,” he said, commenting on the advantages of playing with the Avalanche.

In addition to Wedgewood and Blackwood, the Avalanche have Ilya Nabokov, a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL draft, under contract for next season. Nabokov, who was named the KHL playoff MVP in 2024, is expected to join the Avalanche in the spring after completing his season with Magnitogorsk.

Despite Nabokov’s promising potential, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar acknowledged that he has not yet played in North America or the NHL. “When you get a guy like Wedgewood who wants to be here and fits in your culture and then performs like this on the ice, I think the natural progression is trying to get him locked up,” Bednar stated.

Injury Update on Valeri Nichushkin

The Avalanche are facing another challenge as forward Valeri Nichushkin has been ruled out for at least a handful of games due to an injury. Bednar confirmed on March 15 that Nichushkin is week-to-week but assured fans that the injury is “nothing too serious.” The coaching staff expects a clearer timeline for his return by early next week.

In the interim, rookie Gavin Brindley, who recently signed a contract extension, will move up to the second line and play alongside Brock Nelson and Ross Colton. Brindley has exceeded expectations this season, earning increased trust from the coaching staff, particularly after starting on the fourth line. Bednar commented, “It’s a great opportunity for Gavin. I think he’s earned that.”

Samuel Girard Returns to the Lineup

While the forward group deals with injuries, the Avalanche welcome back defenseman Samuel Girard for their matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. Girard missed most of the season due to injuries, including a lower-body injury before the season and an upper-body issue that sidelined him for nearly five weeks.

“I feel good,” Girard stated about his return. “It’s been a long five weeks, but I’m excited to be back.” He is expected to play alongside Sam Malinski on the club’s third defensive pairing. Bednar has praised the performance of Josh Manson and Brent Burns as the second pairing, indicating a solid foundation for the team’s defensive strategy moving forward.

As the Avalanche navigate their roster changes and injuries, the team remains focused on building momentum in the season and competing for a spot in the playoffs. The future looks promising with key players signed and others waiting to make their impact.