Avalanche Secures Goaltender Scott Wedgewood with $2.5 Million Deal

The Colorado Avalanche have extended goaltender Scott Wedgewood with a one-year contract valued at $2.5 million, ensuring his presence with the team through the 2026-27 season. The announcement was made on the morning of March 7, 2024, just before the team’s morning skate at Ball Arena, as confirmed by a source to the Denver Post.

Wedgewood, 33, is in the last year of a two-year contract initially signed with the Nashville Predators. His extension comes after a successful stint with the Avalanche, which began when the team acquired him in a trade for goalie Justus Annunen and a sixth-round draft pick on December 1, 2024. Since joining the Avalanche, Wedgewood has been a vital asset, helping to stabilize their goaltending position at a time when the team was facing challenges.

“I owe a lot to the guys in the room for putting me in this situation. It’s just been a good fit since I got here,” Wedgewood said, expressing his gratitude for the team’s environment.

With Wedgewood’s performance, the Avalanche have formed a formidable goaltending duo alongside Mackenzie Blackwood. Wedgewood currently leads the NHL with 10 wins (10-1-2) and boasts a .913 save percentage, ranking fifth among goalies who have played at least ten games. His 2.26 goals against average places him third in the league, underscoring his significant impact on the ice.

Wedgewood noted that the decision to extend his contract was nearly finalized the night before the announcement, emphasizing the support he feels from his family and teammates. “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 added, highlighting the team’s competitive aspirations.

The Avalanche are also looking ahead with the addition of Ilya Nabokov, a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, who is expected to join the team next season. Nabokov, 22, was named the KHL playoff MVP in 2024 and brings potential to the roster, although Jared Bednar, head coach of the Avalanche, acknowledged that Nabokov still needs development as he has yet to play in North America.

In other team news, forward Valeri Nichushkin is set to miss several games due to an injury. Bednar indicated that Nichushkin is week-to-week, with a clearer timeline expected in the coming days. “Nothing too serious, which is good, but serious enough that he’s going to miss a handful of games at least,” Bednar stated.

As Nichushkin recovers, Gavin Brindley, who recently signed a contract extension, will step up to the second line alongside Brock Nelson and Ross Colton. Brindley has impressed early in the season, earning increased trust from the coaching staff despite originally playing on the fourth line.

Defensively, the Avalanche welcome back Samuel Girard, who returns after missing nearly five weeks due to an upper-body injury. Girard expressed his excitement about rejoining the team, stating, “It’s been a long five weeks, but I’m excited to be back.”

The Avalanche are navigating a challenging season with injuries but remain focused on maintaining their performance and competing for a championship. The combination of seasoned players like Wedgewood and emerging talents such as Brindley positions the team well for the future.