Petr Mrazek Secures a Two-Year Contract with the Blackhawks
In a significant move for their roster, the Chicago Blackhawks have secured goaltender Petr Mrazek with a two-year contract valued at $8.5 million. This deal provides Mrazek with an average annual value of $4.25 million, ensuring his place between the pipes for the Blackhawks as they look to rebuild and strengthen their team dynamics.
Mrazek's Season Performance
Despite a challenging season for the Blackhawks, Mrazek has demonstrated resilience and skill in the net. With a record of 12-17-1 over 32 games played this season, he boasts a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.01 and a save percentage of .907, including one shutout. These statistics reflect Mrazek's ability to perform under pressure and provide a solid foundation for the Blackhawks, who currently sit at a season record of 14-31-2, placing them at the bottom of the Central Division.
Avoiding Free Agency
The new contract comes just as Mrazek was facing the possibility of unrestricted free agency. His decision to stay with the Blackhawks is a testament to his commitment to the team and his desire to contribute to their growth and success. Over the course of his career, Mrazek has appeared in 366 games, achieving a commendable overall record of 162-141-35, along with a lifetime GAA of 2.78 and a save percentage also standing at .907. He has impressively notched 25 career shutouts.
Playoff Performance
Mrazek's experience extends into the high-stakes environment of playoff hockey, where his record is 12-15. In these critical games, his performance has been even more noteworthy, with a playoff GAA of 2.43 and a save percentage of .911, including five shutouts. Such stats underscore his ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
Reactions to the Signing
Expressing his contentment, Mrazek said, "Yeah, I’m really happy we got it done." He added, "I’m grateful for the opportunity I received last year and am excited about what the future holds for us." His focus remains on contributing to the team's success, emphasizing the importance of a winning culture within the locker room and on the ice.
Kyle Davidson, presumably a key figure in the Blackhawks organization, praised Mrazek's influence on the team: "Petr is a strong goaltender who continues to display the athleticism and calming style of play that has made him so successful in this league." Davidson also acknowledged Mrazek's positive impact on the team's dynamic, saying, "He’s had an immense impact within our group, and we’re excited to have Petr back."
Highlighting the team-oriented aspect of Mrazek's approach, the goaltender mentioned, "Obviously the number one thing is to win games and be part of a winning team and having fun in the locker room while winning." He continued to discuss his role in shaping the team's future, "It’s something we’re trying to change here, the culture and everything, and it’s been fun for me to play like this, to be playing every night and being healthy, feeling good about yourself." Mrazek concluded by underscoring his commitment to the team's improvement, "Having good games definitely helps but the number one thing for me is to turn things around here as a team and start winning games soon."
Coaching Staff Approval
Coach Luke Richardson expressed his satisfaction with Mrazek's performance and professional attitude. "He’s been great," Richardson said, acknowledging the goalie's recovery from previous injuries and his strong finish in the last season. Richardson also noted Mrazek's excellent condition at the beginning of the season and the team's efforts to manage his workload effectively.
Richardson went on to highlight Mrazek's contributions beyond shot-stopping, particularly his communication with the defense, which is crucial for the development of the team's young defensive core. The coach also lauded Mrazek's work ethic, stating, "Other than that, whether he’s sick or feeling a little banged up, he shows up for work every day, never takes a day off. He’s shown true professionalism and that’s good for the younger guys to see."
Other Signings
The Blackhawks are not alone in securing talent for the coming seasons. Nick Foligno has signed a two-year deal worth $9 million, carrying an average annual value of $4.5 million. Similarly