On Friday, Colorado Avalanche injury news hit the airwaves with a crushing update on one of the team’s most crucial players. The team announced that it had placed goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood on injured reserve. The Avalanche injury news surprised fans and the media. Blackwood last played on Wednesday night against the St. Louis Blues. The Avs shelled the Blues 6-1, with Blackwood narrowly missing the shutout.
We have recalled Taylor Makar and Trent Miner from the Colorado Eagles.
Mackenzie Blackwood has been placed on injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/IN5VcNOiaf— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 2, 2026
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But as Corey Masisak of the Denver Post reported on Friday, Blackwood left the ice before Thursday’s practice. He did not take part in the full session thereafter. However, Avalanche injury news did not report that the 29-year-old could land on IR.
The precise nature of Blackwood’s injury is unclear at this point. However, Blackwood missed the first month of the season as he recovered from off-season knee surgery. He returned in November and has been lights out since.
The Avalanche injury news today has not provided a timeline for Blackwood’s return. Since it’s unknown whether this situation is related to his off-season surgery, fans will have to wait for further updates.
In the meantime, the Avalanche recalled netminder Trent Miner from the AHL Colorado Eagles. The move comes on the heels of the unfortunate Avalanche injury news on Friday. Miner has appeared in two games this season. The 24-year-old has posted a 2.12 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. He’ll be the backup to Scott Wedgewood as the Avalanche head on a three-game East Coast road trip.
Avalanche Injury News Doesn’t Get Any Better
In other Avalanche injury news, the team also revealed that forward Joel Kiviranta is day-to-day with a lower-body issue. As Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reported, both Kiviranta and rookie Gavin Brindley will join the team on their East Coast swing.
Kiviranta and Brindley will go on the trip. Both day-to-day. Avs could bring an extra forward with them.
— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) January 1, 2026
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Given the unfortunate Avalanche injury news, the club recalled Taylor Makar, Cale’s sibling, as insurance. Kiviranta’s injury, however, did not prevent Finland from naming him to its Olympic roster.
Brindley, meanwhile, has had a standout season for the Avalanche. He’s scored five goals and added nine points in 27 games this season. The 21-year-old missed some time with a concussion earlier this season.
Despite the bad Avalanche injury news, Brindley could suit up during the opening game of the Avalanche’s East Coast trip Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Main Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images