Mackenzie Blackwood Bio
Mackenzie Blackwood is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on December 9, 1996, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Blackwood was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in the 2018-19 season. He has since established himself as a reliable presence in goal, noted for multiple shutouts and key victories.
Early Life and Background
Mackenzie Blackwood was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. His mother, Rhonda Crocker-Ellacott, serves as the President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. His father was a fan of the Colorado Avalanche and encouraged Blackwood’s interest in hockey from a young age. Blackwood began playing ice hockey at age nine but initially quit after one year. At age 12, he stepped in as a goaltender for his youth team when the regular goalie was injured, a position he enjoyed and pursued thereafter.
He played in local house leagues before joining the Thunder Bay Kings of the Thunder Bay AAA Hockey League for the 2011–12 season, where he posted a 3.08 goals against average. He then spent a season with the Elmira Sugar Kings of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League as part of his development before advancing to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Path to Hockey
Blackwood was selected in the fifth round of the 2012 OHL Priority Selection by the Barrie Colts. Initially a backup during his rookie 2013–14 season, he became the Colts’ starting goaltender early in the season. He earned his first shutout on November 1, 2013, and led all rookies in the OHL and Canadian Hockey League with a 2.98 goals against average and .902 save percentage. His strong rookie season earned him a spot on the OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2014.
He was selected to the OHL All-Stars for the 2014 Subway Super Series and was chosen for the 2015 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game but was unable to participate due to illness. His performance in junior hockey positioned him as the top-rated North American goaltender in the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s final rankings for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Mackenzie Blackwood Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Blackwood began his professional career after signing a three-year entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils on December 30, 2015. He spent time developing with the Devils’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Binghamton Devils, and was briefly assigned to the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder in early 2018. His progression through the minor leagues prepared him for his NHL debut.
New Jersey Devils Breakthrough (2018–2023)
Blackwood made his NHL debut on December 18, 2018, after being recalled due to an injury to the Devils’ starting goaltender. Despite a loss in his debut, he quickly impressed with strong performances, including his first NHL start on December 20, 2018, where he saved 36 of 38 shots. He recorded his first NHL win on December 27, 2018, with 40 saves against the Boston Bruins, followed by his first shutout on December 29, 2018.
Blackwood became the first Devils rookie goaltender to post back-to-back shutouts and the youngest in franchise history to record multiple regular-season shutouts. He was named a Star of the Week following these performances. Throughout his tenure with New Jersey, Blackwood established himself as a key player, earning a three-year contract extension in December 2020.
San Jose Sharks Era (2023–2024)
In June 2023, Blackwood was traded to the San Jose Sharks and signed a two-year contract with the team. He debuted for the Sharks in October 2023, making 51 saves in a shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche. His time with the Sharks was brief but marked by notable individual performances.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2024–Present)
Blackwood was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in December 2024. He made an immediate impact, winning his debut game with 37 saves. Shortly after joining Colorado, Blackwood signed a five-year, $26.25 million contract extension, securing his role as the team’s primary goaltender through 2030. He helped stabilize the Avalanche’s goaltending position and contributed to improved defensive play.
During the 2024–25 season, Blackwood recorded his first shutout with Colorado in a 5–0 victory over the St. Louis Blues. He finished the regular season with 22 wins, a .913 save percentage, and three shutouts in 37 appearances. In his NHL playoff debut, he earned a shutout and three wins, demonstrating his value in high-pressure situations.
Driving Style and Strengths
Blackwood is known for his composure and strong positional play in net. His height of 193 cm and athleticism allow him to cover the net effectively, while his quick reflexes contribute to his ability to make key saves. He has shown resilience in rebound control and excels in high-pressure moments, often delivering clutch performances for his teams.
Notable Events and Milestones
Blackwood’s early NHL career was highlighted by back-to-back shutouts as a rookie, a rare feat in Devils history. His first NHL shutout and multiple shutouts in his debut season set the tone for his professional career. His trade to Colorado and subsequent contract extension mark significant milestones, reflecting his rising status in the league.
Mackenzie Blackwood Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Mackenzie Blackwood has accumulated numerous wins across multiple teams. He has demonstrated consistent performance, particularly with the New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche, including multiple shutouts and key victories in both regular season and playoff games.
New Jersey Devils Highlights
Blackwood recorded his first NHL win and shutout during the 2018-19 season with the Devils. He became the youngest Devils goaltender to achieve multiple shutouts and was recognized as a Star of the Week early in his career. His tenure with New Jersey solidified his reputation as a dependable goaltender.
Colorado Avalanche Highlights
Since joining the Avalanche, Blackwood has posted 22 wins and three shutouts in his first 37 appearances. He is one of only two goaltenders in franchise history to reach these numbers in such a short span. His playoff debut included a shutout victory, underscoring his ability to perform in critical games.
Mackenzie Blackwood Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Blackwood’s mother is a prominent healthcare executive in Thunder Bay, and his father was a hockey enthusiast who supported his son’s early interest in the sport. This supportive family environment contributed to Blackwood’s development as a professional athlete.
Personal Life
Details about Blackwood’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains a professional focus on his hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 season, Mackenzie Blackwood played a pivotal role for the Colorado Avalanche, helping to stabilize the team’s goaltending after a major roster overhaul. He recorded his first shutout for the Avalanche in January 2025 and finished the regular season with strong statistics, including a .913 save percentage and 22 wins.
Blackwood made his NHL playoff debut in April 2025, earning a shutout and three wins in the first-round series. Despite the Avalanche’s eventual series loss, his performance was a highlight. He began the following season recovering from surgery but returned to form with notable wins early in the campaign.