from Ansar Khan of Mlive,
A few weeks ago, there was about a zero percent chance that Petr Mrazek would return to the Detroit Red Wings next season. No way they were going to make a $4 million qualifying offer to retain the rights to a goaltender who had struggled like Mrazek has since mid-February 2016.
A few starts later, the odds for a Mrazek return are improving. That’s assuming he isn’t traded by the Feb. 26 deadline.
The Red Wings will look to move one of their goaltenders -- Jimmy Howard or Mrazek, whoever garners the better return – but that might not be possible with few playoff-contending clubs seeking help in net.
Mrazek is 4-1-1 in his past six starts and has a 1.30 goals-against average and .958 save percentage over his past seven appearances. Howard has played better than Mrazek most of the season, but suddenly, Mrazek (2.75 GAA, .914 save percentage) has better overall numbers than Howard (2.82 GAA, .911 save percentage).
If Mrazek continues to play well, he’ll not only get the bulk of the starts, he’ll likely get qualified. If the Red Wings aren’t able to move either goalie between now and training camp, they could start 2018-19 with the Howard-Mrazek tandem again.
continue for the Wings this week...
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.