The Colorado Avalanche have been a fortress this season - and a big reason why is their goaltending. With just 110 goals allowed, they lead the league in defensive efficiency.
That’s not a stat you stumble into. It’s the product of steady, reliable netminding from Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, a duo that’s been quietly elite.
But with both goalies nursing minor injuries recently, the Avs had to dip into their pipeline - and that’s where Trent Miner stepped in.
Miner, called up from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, didn’t just fill a spot - he made a statement. His first NHL win came in the form of a shutout against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a performance that turned heads and raised eyebrows.
Sure, his NHL resume is still short - just six games - but a 1-1-3 record with a .912 save percentage and a 2.19 goals-against average? That’s not just respectable.
That’s the kind of performance that gets you noticed in a crowded goalie room.
Now the Avalanche find themselves in a bit of a good problem: too many goalies, not enough nets. With Ilya Nabokov expected to come over from the KHL and rookie Isak Posch making waves of his own, the question becomes - what’s next for Miner?
There’s been some speculation that Miner could be used as a trade chip, potentially before the draft or in the offseason. And on the surface, it makes sense.
The Avs have depth in the crease, and Miner’s value is arguably at an all-time high after his recent NHL showing. But before Colorado starts fielding offers, it’s worth pumping the brakes and looking at the bigger picture.
Let’s start with Nabokov. He’s long been touted as the goalie of the future, but his current numbers in the KHL - while backed by a strong win-loss record - aren’t exactly screaming “NHL-ready.”
A 2.77 GAA and a .898 save percentage suggest he’s still adjusting, and a year in the AHL might be the best move for his development. Rushing him into a backup role in Denver could do more harm than good.
Then there’s Posch. He’s been impressive in his rookie season, no doubt.
But goaltending is a position built on consistency, and one strong year doesn’t always guarantee long-term success. Just ask Nabokov - he had two stellar seasons before hitting a rough patch.
If Miner and Nabokov are holding down the AHL crease, Posch could be forced to the ECHL - not ideal for a young goalie who needs reps at a higher level. Still, that scenario could work as a short-term solution, a one-year shuffle to give everyone the development time they need.
The real takeaway here is that the Avalanche don’t yet know exactly what they have in any of their young goalies. Miner’s the most familiar - he’s been in the system for a while - but even he’s only seen a handful of NHL starts.
Nabokov’s not even stateside yet, and Posch is still writing the first chapter of his pro career. That’s why now might not be the time to make a move.
Instead, it could be smarter to keep all three in the fold and let the evaluation process play out.
And let’s not forget: Blackwood and Wedgewood have both dealt with injuries this season. Blackwood, in particular, has had multiple stints on IR.
If that trend continues into next year, the Avalanche could find themselves leaning heavily on their depth. Trading away Miner now could leave them exposed if Nabokov struggles to adjust or if Posch doesn’t take the next step.
That said, it’s entirely possible that Miner or Posch becomes a trade piece down the line - maybe in the offseason or at next year’s deadline. But if Colorado truly believes one of them could be the goalie of the future, there’s another path to consider: move Wedgewood.
He’s 33, and while he’s been solid, he’s also the most expendable if the front office wants to commit to youth. His recent contract extension gives the Avs flexibility, but it also makes him a viable option for a contender looking for a veteran backup.
Bottom line? The Avalanche are in a strong position - maybe the strongest they’ve been in years - when it comes to goaltending depth.
But that depth only matters if it’s managed wisely. For now, patience might be the best play.
Let the young guys develop, see what you really have, and then make the move that sets you up for long-term success between the pipes.