The hockey world is buzzing with concern as Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood, a strong contender for a coveted spot on Team Canada’s 2026 Winter Olympics roster, left Tuesday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks with an upper-body injury. The incident, occurring in the second period, has cast a shadow over what has been a career-defining season for the Etobicoke, Ontario native, and raises questions about his Olympic aspirations.
A Season of Unprecedented Dominance for Scott Wedgewood
Prior to his early exit, the 33-year-old NHL veteran had been nothing short of spectacular. Wedgewood stopped 10 of 11 shots before Mackenzie Blackwood stepped in. This season, his performance has been stellar, boasting an incredible 13-1 record with a 2.08 goals-against average (GAA) and a .920 save percentage across 18 appearances for the first-place Avalanche. These numbers don’t just speak volumes; they shout ‘elite.’
His impressive run isn’t new. After being acquired from the Nashville Predators late last season, Wedgewood quickly solidified his role with Colorado, posting a 13-4 record with a 1.99 GAA and a .917 save percentage over 19 games in 2024-25. His consistency earned him a well-deserved one-year, $2.5 million extension with the Avalanche just last month. For a player who has largely served as a career backup throughout his seven NHL seasons, never playing more than 34 games in a single year, this season marked a significant breakthrough, positioning him squarely in the Olympic conversation.
The Race for Team Canada: Olympic Goaltending Landscape
Wedgewood’s stellar play had him firmly in the mix to represent Canada at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The competition for goaltending spots on Team Canada is notoriously fierce, with several high-calibre netminders vying for selection. General Manager Doug Armstrong faces a tough decision, with the 25-player roster deadline set for December 31st.
Other notable Canadian goalies currently considered strong contenders for the Olympic squad include:
- Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues), a gold medalist with Canada at last year’s inaugural Four Nations Face-Off tournament.
- Logan Thompson (Washington Capitals), who has been making a strong case with consistent performances.
- Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings), a veteran presence with Stanley Cup pedigree.
- Jake Allen (New Jersey Devils), known for his reliability and experience.
What This Means for Wedgewood and the Avalanche
The severity of Scott Wedgewood‘s upper-body injury remains undisclosed, but any time missed could be critical, especially with the Olympic roster submission deadline looming. While the Avalanche have a strong backup in Mackenzie Blackwood, Wedgewood’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team as they push to maintain their top position in the league. For Wedgewood personally, a swift recovery is paramount not just for his role with the Avalanche but also for keeping his Olympic dream alive.
Fans across Canada and with the Colorado Avalanche will be eagerly awaiting updates on his condition. The 2026 Olympic tournament is scheduled to begin on February 11th, leaving limited time for full recovery and a return to form for any injured player hoping to don the maple leaf. For more updates on NHL injuries and Olympic team selections, keep an eye on official sources like NHL.com.
