Scott Wedgewood Secures Extension with Avalanche After Stellar Start
The Colorado Avalanche goaltender, Scott Wedgewood, has signed a one-year contract extension, thanks to his impressive performance at the start of the season. Originally slated to be the backup this season, Wedgewood took over the starting role due to an injury to Mackenzie Blackwood. Through Thursday, the 33-year-old had a 10-1-2 record, with a .913 save percentage and a 2.26 goals-against average, leading the NHL with 10 wins.Wedgewood, acquired from the Nashville Predators last November, has proven to be a reliable player, accumulating a 23-5-3 record since his arrival in Colorado. This season, he has been fundamental, starting the first nine games due to Blackwood’s absence. Currently, Wedgewood is enjoying a five-game winning streak, matching the longest of his career.“We talked about the extension in the summer, and then the season started and, obviously, I had a good start and conversations started,” Wedgewood commented before the 6-3 victory against Buffalo on Thursday. “I tried to keep it on the back burner and just go to work and play for the team and things like that. Now it’s on paper and I’m very excited about it.”
Scott Wedgewood
Playing behind an offense led by Nathan MacKinnon, who averages four goals per game, helps significantly.“I don’t want to say he’s taken it to a new level, but I think his solidity in goal for us at this part of the season, with (Blackwood) out, is obviously key,” said Colorado coach Jared Bednar, whose team entered Thursday with the most points in the league. “Not only to survive without (Blackwood), but also to excel in that position and give us a chance to win every night.”
Jared Bednar
Wedgewood has adapted not only to the team, but also to the local community, even sharing a conversation about goalkeeper equipment at Trader Joe’s.“If you make a mistake at the beginning, we can score a goal and get back in the game,” explained Wedgewood. “You have a team that has a chance to win every night. That’s a big confidence booster for a goalie to go out and think, ‘You know, technically I don’t have to be perfect.’ I want to be, but you can also get away with some mistakes on this team.”
Scott Wedgewood
Wedgewood has played in 168 games in his career with Colorado, Nashville, Dallas, Arizona, and New Jersey. In the 2019-20 season, when Tampa Bay won the Stanley Cup, he served as a “Black Ace”, an additional player from the team’s minor league affiliate.“The fans have really taken to me,” Wedgewood said. “The ‘Wedge-y’ chants (at games) and all that, you can’t help but feel like you fit in and are welcomed by everyone.”
Scott Wedgewood
