How the Avalanche's Lumber Yard goaltending tandem was built

The Colorado Avalanche pulled off a masterstroke in goaltending during the 2024-25 season by acquiring Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood in quick succession. While the trades created an instant tandem dubbed “The Lumber Yard,” the real foundation goes back nearly a decade to Albany, New York.[1]

Blackwood describes their bond as natural. “We’ve played together in the past and we have that familiarity from before,” he said. “He’s a really easy guy to be friends with.”[1]

Roots in the Albany Devils system

Blackwood and Wedgewood first crossed paths in the New Jersey Devils’ AHL affiliate during the 2016-17 season. Wedgewood, a 2010 third-round pick at age 23 then, brought pro experience from the ECHL, AHL, and even NHL glimpses. Blackwood, a 2015 second-rounder straight from OHL juniors, was adjusting to pro life.

Their coach, Rick Kowalski, noted their differences. “They were both still young and their personalities were different,” Kowalski said. Both committed to development, forming a competitive yet supportive dynamic.[1]

The room expanded into a three-goalie rotation with Kenneth Appleby. “I ended up living with Scott that year,” Appleby recalled. “He was such a great example to learn from.” They pushed each other daily, chasing the net amid fierce competition.

Blackwood’s rookie quirks stood out. Built like an NFL linebacker, he’d squat heavy weights late at night, carry a snack-filled gym bag, and even nap with a bus cushion as a pillow. Kowalski worked on his time management. “Your day doesn’t start after the team meeting,” he’d tell him.

Wedgewood saw it as a crossroads. “That’s my dream versus your dream,” he reflected on the call-up battle. Yet, their handshake revealed authenticity, planting seeds for lasting friendship.

Navigating divergent NHL journeys

After one Albany season, their paths split. Wedgewood bounced from Devils to Coyotes, Kings, Sabres, Lightning, back to Devils, then Stars. Mostly AHL time, but NHL tastes kept him grinding.

Blackwood claimed Devils’ No. 1 duties in 2020-21 alongside Wedgewood briefly before struggles led to AHL stints and a 2023 trade to San Jose Sharks. Wedgewood, meanwhile, backed a contending Dallas squad.

Reunions were fleeting—like 2020-21 with Devils before Wedgewood’s waiver to Coyotes and Stars trade. Blackwood rebuilt amid Sharks’ rebuild; Wedgewood thrived in playoffs.

Both endured the grind thousands face in minors. Success elsewhere honed them. As Wedgewood put it, “You shake someone’s hand… you can tell if someone is being real.”

Their journeys mirrored pro hockey’s unpredictability. Draft promise met reality, trades reshaped careers. Yet, lessons in resilience positioned them for Colorado.

Instant impact and 2025-26 dominance

Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland targeted net stability late November 2024-25, trading for Wedgewood then Blackwood weeks later. Replacing inconsistent Georgiev-Annunen duo, they stabilized a contender.

This 2025-26 season exploded. Wedgewood posted 31 wins—.921 save percentage, career best—despite prior two seasons’ 30 combined. Blackwood added 23 wins, third 20-win year.[2][3]

Together, they backstopped 54 of 55 victories in a 55-16-11 Presidents’ Trophy year, clinching the William M. Jennings Trophy—echoing Patrick Roy’s 2001-02 feat.[2]

Injury history flipped roles organically. Wedgewood stepped up post-Blackwood’s offseason surgery; Blackwood took over when Wedgewood hurt earlier. “The path’s still going every single day,” Blackwood mused.

Tandem philosophy fits modern NHL. Less wear on 82-game grind with travel demands. “Do you want to work with each other?” Wedgewood asked. Their happy-go-lucky vibes mesh perfectly.

Playoff readiness and team-first mindset

Playoffs test tandems most. Last year, Blackwood started all seven first-round games vs. Dallas—a loss. This postseason, coach Jared Bednar tabbed Wedgewood for Game 1 vs. Kings: 24/25 saves in victory.

Blackwood embraces it. “Bedsy’s going to put someone in the net… It’s about the group.” Wedgewood agrees: “Whatever their plan is, it’s always team first.”

Their Lumber Yard synergy could propel a fourth Cup. As ESPN detailed in their feature, familiarity breeds trust amid playoffs’ unpredictability.

From Albany roommates to Jennings winners, their story underscores pro hockey’s twists. NHL.com confirmed the trophy win, highlighting shared 54 victories.

The Avalanche’s depth shines brightest here. With stars like MacKinnon and Makar upfront, stable netting positions them deep into playoffs. Expect The Lumber Yard to deliver when it counts most, balancing competition with camaraderie for another Cup run.