Scott Wedgewood’s Contract Extension
In Denver, the Colorado Avalanche have secured goaltender Scott Wedgewood with a one-year contract extension following his impressive performance at the start of the NHL season. Originally expected to serve as a backup, Wedgewood found himself as the starting goalie after Mackenzie Blackwood was sidelined due to a lower-body injury. The 33-year-old has remarkably compiled a record of 10 wins, 1 loss, and 2 overtime losses, along with a .913 save percentage and a goals-against average of 2.26. Notably, he leads the NHL in victories so far this season.
Wedgewood’s Reflections on His Performance
“We talked about an extension in the summer, and I started the season strong, leading to further conversations. I kept them in the back of my mind while focusing on playing and contributing to the team. It’s great to have it finalized now, and I’m really excited about it,”
Wedgewood commented before a game against Buffalo.
Impact on the Team
Since being traded from the Nashville Predators in November, where he was exchanged for backup goalie Justus Annunen, Wedgewood has demonstrated exceptional reliability, posting a record of 23 wins, 5 losses, and 3 overtime losses with the Avalanche. In the current season, his role has intensified as he has started all nine games during Blackwood’s absence, and he currently enjoys a five-game winning streak, matching the longest of his career.
“We’ll take it game by game, but Wedgewood’s presence in goal has been crucial for us, especially with Blackwood out. It’s not just about holding the fort; he’s helped us thrive and compete for victories every night,”
stated Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, whose team currently leads the league in points.
Team Dynamics and Community Integration
Wedgewood benefits from playing in front of a formidable offense led by Nathan MacKinnon, which is averaging the highest goals-per-game rate in the NHL at four.
“With this team, if I make a mistake, there’s a good chance we can bounce back with a goal and regain momentum. Knowing that I have a team that can win every night boosts my confidence—I don’t have to be perfect, although that’s my goal,”
he explained.
Beyond the ice, Wedgewood has seamlessly integrated into the local community, even recalling an amusing encounter discussing goalie gear in the meat section of Trader Joe’s.
“The fans have really embraced me. Hearing the ‘Wedge-y’ cheers from the stands makes me feel truly welcomed here,”
Career Overview
Throughout his career, Wedgewood has played in 168 games across franchises including Colorado, Nashville, Dallas, Arizona, and New Jersey. He was also part of the Tampa Bay Lightning‘s roster as a “Black Ace” during their Stanley Cup-winning run in the 2019-20 season, which involves extra players from the AHL team joining the main roster during the playoffs.
