The Colorado Avalanche have completed a trade with the San Jose Sharks, acquiring goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood and forward Givani Smith in exchange for Alexandar Georgiev, Nikolai Kovalenko, and draft picks. This move comes as the Avalanche seek to bolster their goaltending after struggling early in the season.

Blackwood, who has shown promise despite playing on underperforming teams, is expected to provide a significant upgrade in net. The Avalanche are also looking to maximize their chances for a Stanley Cup run, with recent additions like Scott Wedgewood further enhancing their goalie lineup.