BREAKING NEWS: Colorado Avalanche Ice hockey Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is the odd man out for the Colorado now with the Florida Panthers, also sent a Shocking message to Colorado Avalanche Head Coach Jared Bednar and the Entire Colorado Avalanche Team Concerning his….see more

In a stunning twist to the NHL offseason, Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood has officially been labeled the “odd man out” after landing with the Florida Panthers in a late-night trade finalized Wednesday.

The 28-year-old netminder, who signed a five-year extension with Colorado just months ago, was reportedly informed this week that he no longer factored into the team’s plans following Colorado’s disappointing first-round playoff exit. Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland cited “organizational fit” and “future flexibility” in a brief statement but refused to elaborate on the sudden about-face.

Florida, coming off a Stanley Cup Final appearance, wasted no time scooping up Blackwood to bolster their goaltending depth behind Sergei Bobrovsky and promising youngster Spencer Knight.

However, the bigger shock wasn’t just the trade — it was Blackwood’s scathing farewell message.

Sources say Blackwood sent a direct, unsparing note to Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar and the entire Avalanche roster, criticizing what he called “a fractured locker room,” “lack of accountability,” and “confusing direction from the top.”

> “You can’t win a Cup with egos and excuses. Be honest with yourselves,” Blackwood allegedly wrote in a section of the message leaked anonymously to reporters.

The missive has reportedly caused tensions in the Avalanche dressing room, with some players dismissing the message as sour grapes, while others privately conceded that Blackwood was only saying what many were thinking after the team’s second straight early playoff exit.

Jared Bednar declined to comment in detail but told media Thursday:

> “Mackenzie was a part of this team, and we wish him the best. We’re focused on the guys who want to be here and moving forward together.”

Florida GM Bill Zito, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the change of scenery would help Blackwood “reset and compete at a high level” in Sunrise.

Avalanche fans are left to wonder what went wrong with a goalie who, not long ago, seemed like the future of their crease. As Colorado retools for another Stanley Cup push, the fallout from Blackwood’s departure — and his stinging words — may loom large in the Mile High City for months to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.