Alexandar Georgiev is a San Jose Shark.

[editorial-rating id=”815″] In a significant roster move, the San Jose Sharks traded goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, forward Givani Smith, and a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to the Colorado Avalanche. In return, the Sharks acquired goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, forward Nikolai Kovalenko, a second-round pick in the 2026 Draft, and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2025.

A New Chapter for Blackwood

Mackenzie Blackwood heads to Colorado after a season where he posted a 6-9-3 record with a 3.00 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage in 19 games. Despite a solid save percentage, the Sharks’ offense struggled to provide support, averaging only 2.21 goals per game when Blackwood was in net.

Originally acquired from the New Jersey Devils in 2023, Blackwood now joins an Avalanche team looking to stabilize its goaltending after recent moves, including acquiring Scott Wedgewood. Blackwood could make his Avalanche debut as early as Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Alexandar Georgiev: A New Face in the Sharks’ Crease

The Sharks welcome Alexandar Georgiev, a goaltender with significant NHL experience. Georgiev has struggled this season with an 8-7-0 record, a 3.38 GAA, and an .874 save percentage in 18 games, but his track record speaks volumes. Over his career, Georgiev has 144 wins, 15 shutouts, and a .907 save percentage in 272 games.

The Sharks hope a change of scenery can help Georgiev regain his form and bring stability to their net. Fans might see him make his first start in teal against the Carolina Hurricanes this week.

A Look at the Forward Swap

The trade also involved forwards Givani Smith and Nikolai Kovalenko. Smith, a gritty winger, failed to make an impact in San Jose this season, going pointless in six games. Meanwhile, Kovalenko, a former KHL standout and son of NHL veteran Andrei Kovalenko, has shown flashes of potential in Colorado with eight points in 28 games.

Draft Picks and Conditional Stakes

The Sharks received a conditional fifth-round pick in 2025, which could be upgraded if certain performance metrics are met:

1. The Avalanche reach the Western Conference Final this season.
2. Blackwood wins 25 games from now through the end of the regular season.
3. Blackwood starts 30 games during the same period.

What This Means for San Jose

This trade signifies a shift in the Sharks’ strategy. By moving Blackwood and Smith, San Jose gains draft capital and an experienced goaltender in Georgiev, along with a forward in Kovalenko who could grow into a reliable contributor. For a team navigating a rebuild, this deal aligns with a long-term vision while addressing immediate needs.