Why the Colorado Avalanche Drafted 2 Goaltenders

Colorado already has a strong core at goaltending, but the Avalanche still used two of the draft picks for the position.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Finding an NHL-caliber goaltender is a lot like finding a needle in a haystack. This is certainly one of hockey’s toughest tasks. Becoming an NHL-caliber goaltender is also a challenge.

That’s one of the reasons the Colorado Avalanche spent two of their nine 2026 NHL Draft selections on goalies. In the fourth round, Colorado selected Tobias Tvrzik, and then in the seventh round, their choice was Alexandre Raymond.

For a team that is already a Stanley Cup contender, it may seem surprising that they would spend two picks on goaltending. The reality is, though, that this just further displays the successful philosophy of the Avs. You just can’t have enough depth at the goaltending position.

Keeping Their Eye on the Future

The new guys! pic.twitter.com/kJICl1CzX1

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 27, 2026

Unlike many of the skaters on the ice, goaltenders often take several more years of development before they are ready to take the NHL ice. Whether the path involves junior hockey, college or professional level, the journey to a starting goalie is rarely quick and certainly never predictable.

By choosing both Tvrznik and Raymond, Colorado upped the odds they can eventually produce an NHL-caliber goalie from within their organization.

The draft represented what we all know - it’s a numbers game.

Many players who are drafted to be goaltenders never make it to the NHL level.

Common Theme Keeps Emerging

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Avalanche selected two different goaltenders but they have something very similar as well.

Both Tvrznik and Raymond are 6 feet 4 inches. Size matters at the goaltending position. Of course, speed, agility, and technical skill are still at the top of the list, but length and net coverage have become major pluses.

Of course, the Avs didn’t draft just based on size, but it sure points to the fact that the team recognizes the value of such traits.

As is true for every player Colroado drafted, no one knows whether these two will make it to every play a game in Ball Arena. History proves it is a hard road, but certainly not impossible.

The Avalanche held true through the entire draft of making selections that will be the future of the organization and not immediate impacts on the NHL ice.

Colorado doesn’t need immediate help in the net. MacKenzie Blackwood is just 29 and is signed through the 2029-30 season. Scott Wedgewood is the veteran backup signed for the 2026-27 campaign.

The Avs also just acquired Magnus Chrona in the trade with the Nashville Predators involving Ross Colton.

The team has the time and depth to allow these two new recruits to develop in their own time rather than trying to rush them to the ice. This developmental path and a lot of patience can make or break a goaltender’s journey.